The visit organised by York-based FA International Partner, Coaching for Hope and the British Council was designed to promote women’s football, women’s leadership in football and to connect classrooms in the UK and South Africa whilst encouraging the training of female students in both South African and UK schools involved in British Council managed projects.
Accompanied by three Football Development Officers including Gemma Thomas from the East Riding County Football Association and delegates from University of Central Lancashire and Birmingham University the British and South African young leaders were given the chance to share ideas, practices and experiences of coaching football in an unfamiliar environment.
Thrown into new and challenging situations, the UK group quickly learned to adapt their sessions to allow for having only one football, no cones or bibs and in some instances only a patch of dirt to play on. Taking turns to coach, both the UK and South African leaders exchanged ideas on warm-ups and drills but also culture and language, getting involved in songs and dances taught by the students at the schools and learning the new ‘Diski Dance’ that is sweeping the County in the buildup to the World Cup.
The group also had chance to tour some of the sights including Table Mountain, Cradle of Humankind, Cape of Good Hope, Nelson Mandela’s house and memorials in Soweto, Johannesburg’s most infamous township, which set the scene for the context in which South Africa’s culture is set.
A sobering visit to the HIV Treatment Action Centre in Khayletshia, along with a unique opportunity to visit some locals in their homes, highlighted just how many other issues impact upon the lives of children in South Africa. Poor living conditions, HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, hunger and fear are all realities of every day life in the townships.
Drawing comparisons between the UK and South Africa, the group saw similarities in the invisibility of women’s football and the stereotyping and prejudice shown towards female players. As in the UK, football is generally considered a man’s sport and females struggle to gain the respect they deserve from their male counter-parts. In South Africa however, this takes a more serious tone where women may risk their lives in order to play the sport they love.
Participating in a seminar examining the challenges of developing women’s football in the UK and South Africa at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, the party heard from a range of key speakers and entered into some interesting debates and discussions. The highlight was a powerful speech delivered by Marion February, UTC Coach, speaking on women’s empowerment and her exchange with Norman Arendse, President of SAFA Cape Town.
Asrid Van Kesteren (Goal Keeper for Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s National Women’s team) also spoke of her loss when her team mate, midfielder Eudy Simelane, was brutally murdered in a homophobic related attack, simply because she played football. Both shocking and poignant, Asrid’s speech emphasized some of the differences between the two nations in terms of the female game.
Speaking about the trip Gemma said, “The trip provided everyone involved with a fantastic opportunity to learn about the South African culture and the challenges that females face in order play, promote and support a game that they love. It was extraordinary to see the developments that the young leaders made as coaches and to see the friendships and relationships that were built in such a short period of time. The enthusiasm and passion for the game thrives despite the situations that are faced by these children on a daily basis. It was clear the role that sport plays in addressing gender inequalities and providing some small relief to those who need to forget about fear and pain.”
Becky Shipp commented, “On my recent visit to South Africa, my views and opinions have been changed dramatically from visiting the schools, orphanages and the huts. It has changed the way I look at my own life, seeing the children and families being happy and grateful with what they have has made me even more grateful. It has benefited me within my coaching, by the coaching styles and the way you constantly had to be thinking, due to the fact that you didn't have any information on the sessions. This experience will help me back in the UK as well as in the future as I dealt with different abilities and different types of people who had different views on football, especially the mix of girls and boys football. The whole experience was unbelievable, it has improved me and my confidence and I would love to do it again.”
Emily Sheriff added “When I saw how much they had compared to me I felt guilty, I wanted to give them whatever they wanted. The trip has made me realise how lucky I am to have luxuries, a healthy life and a supporting family.”
The group now looks forward to a visit from the South Africa young leaders in 2011 and will no doubt be following South Arica’s progress in the World Cup ever more closely now.
This trip highlights the excellent opportunities now available to young women who wish to pursue a career in football as well as The FA’s commitment to recognising the contributions that young leaders make to football. These young leaders will be the mangers, coaches and referees of the future and without them the game couldn’t be played by the millions of players every week.
Further information about the Step into Sport Programme can be found under the Development tab. Alternatively please contact Gemma Thomas on 01482 221158 / 07920 047705 or email gemma.thomas@eastridingfa.com