The Football Foundation of South Africa
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info@football-foundation.com or +27 (0)28 384 8070 to learn more!
UPLIFTING SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH SPORT ONE CHILD AT A TIME
Michael Lutzeyer, owner of Grootbos Nature Reserve, maintains a passion for development and community upliftment. In recognition of South Africa’s high unemployment rate and lack of skills training, Michael founded the Grootbos Foundation in 2003 with an adult-based education programme for individuals from the local townships. A second empowerment initiative was later launched which equipped women from deprived areas with the skills to produce food sustainably. The effect of these successful projects prompted Michael to expand, serve the broader community, and promote unity. Gansbaai presented a great challenge with three communities living in division as a product of the old Apartheid regime. His hope was to create something to empower children and adults, as well as break down social barriers. The 2004 announcement which revealed the FIFA World Cup would take place in South Africa in 2010 inspired Michael to raise funds for a soccer project, which, over time, evolved into a multi-sports state-of-the-art facility. He canvassed his “soccer dream” locally and internationally, bringing different partners together. Upon completion of the site in 2008, the Premier League had funded the artificial pitch and established the Football Foundation alongside Michael, aimed to implement sports and education programmes for the youth.
The multi-purpose sports facility is situated right in the middle of the Black, White and Coloured communities, serving as the perfect catalyst for social and racial integration. The centre caters for eight different sports codes to accommodate different sporting needs and has a mobile gym, clubhouse, showers and changing room facilities.
The Football Foundation uses football, netball, hockey and athletics programmes to address social issues. Our various accredited youth and adult education programmes address environmental awareness, HIV/AIDS, health, computer literacy, life skills training, career and entrepreneurial development. We make use of game sessions, presentations, events, tournaments, excursions, activities and curriculums to run programmes six days per week.