Historic Gathering to change football in Stellenbosch

11 / 11 / 2011

It was a historic occasion as a 40-strong crowd gathered at the Stellenbosch University sport campus on 05 November 2011. Stellenbosch Local Football Association (SLFA), Stellenbosch University Sport Performance Institute (SUSPI) and attending members of the various SLFA member clubs met to resolve the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities facing football, as well as to plot out a shared vision of football in the greater Stellenbosch Municipal District.

"This gathering is about making things happen to ensure a future and destiny for all local clubs". This was the opening sentiment expressed by Dr. J.A. Slamat, Stellenbosch University's Senior Director of Community Interaction, as he challenged the assembled crowd to work to a shared vision through partnership. Dr. Slamat confirmed Stellenbosch University's commitment to social and community upliftment by opening the doors of learning, and identifying opportunities inside the university, to strengthen the SLFA and its supporting clubs.

Despite the many challenges raised on the day, there was a positive willingness by all in attendance to find ways to resolve these and develop football in Stellenbosch to the benefit of all, through a partnership with SUSPI.

Youth development featured very strongly on the agenda, with every club recognising that a strong youth component is the future if we hope to get these local footballers to national and international level. This support for youth development was echoed by Mr Joseph Jacobs, Chairman of the SLFA, who said, "We improve the lives of our youth by being the building blocks for their development".

To assist with youth development, the University of Stellenbosch, through its performance institute (SUSPI) has agreed to work with the SLFA to avail facilities such as the Lentelus Futsal facility, situated in Stellenbosch, to club juniors. SUSPI further committed to sharing information around the Stellenbosch University's Youth Sport Initiative (an initiative which forms part of Stellenbosch University's overall Hope Project which is aimed at repositioning the institution as a beacon of hope locally, regionally and nationally). SUSPI will also provide support regarding coaching and club administration and share knowledge around developments in sport, science and medicine. "SUSPI is ready, willing, and able to support the SLFA's vision of becoming the best managed local football association on the sub continent", concluded Gugu Ntuli, CEO: Suspi.

Renowned for its global role in the development of Rugby, the University aims to extend its knowledge resources to uplift the beautiful game. During the launch of the Lentelus Football centre in 2010, Prof. Julian Smith, Vice-Rector: Community Interaction and Human Resources pledged the University's support for the development of football in Stellenbosch. This is finally being realised through this imminent partnership. For this reason there is no doubt that a new era is dawning for football in Stellenbosch and SUSPI, together with the rich knowledge and infrastructure of Stellenbosch University sport, is best positioned to support the new vision for football in the Greater Stellenbosch Area.

For more information on SUSPI or any of its initiatives, please visit www.suspi.co.za or call Rudy Hassiem on 021 808 9109. For information on the Stellenbosch Local Football Association, please call Juanita Muller on 082 801 5344.