School Futsal Initiative

More about School Futsal Initiative

The School Futsal Initiative is a social inclusion project breathing new life into South Africa’s most divisive town. Though Stellenbosch is renowned for excellent educational institutions and an economy built on its acclaimed wine industry, non-white residents are largely denied access to quality education and social mobility. Consequently, 70% of the town’s population remains trapped in poverty. Young Stellenbosch girls are deprived of positive role models who can teach them to make healthy lifestyle choices, value education, and proactively pursue their dreams. With less than 1% of Stellenbosch girls involved in football, the sport has been dismissed as dismal and lacking direction. The School Futsal Initiative intentionally engages marginalised people; reimagining football and increasing female participation with coaches who are positive role models that mentor participants in sport, academics, and life skill development.