Ambassadors In Sport: Match for a Day Update
Matthew Booth Provides Soccer Boots for Soweto Children’s Home
The 2009 LegalWise Match for a Day (MFAD) continues to have an impact on many beneficiaries as Ambassadors in Sport (AIS) and partners seek to bring hope to young people through the medium of football. AIS (AIS) is proud to announce that, as a result of the MFAD held at Orlando Stadium in October 2009, an ongoing partnership has been formed with Bafana Bafana star defender, Matthew Booth, who has become a patron of Ambassadors in Sport.
On April 8th Booth demonstrated his commitment to utilising his platform as a professional football player and role model by providing soccer boots for two children’s homes in Soweto. Both the Walter Sisulu and Twilight Children’s homes had sent children to the 2009 LegalWise MFAD coaching clinic. The children were coached by Booth and other star players. Following the event Booth contacted AIS and pledged to provide soccer boots for the children as he had noted how ill-equipped they had been at the clinic. This pledge became a reality and brought smiles to many budding young soccer players from the two homes.
During his visit to Walter Sisulu Place of Safety, Booth was shown around the centre and had the opportunity to address many of the young residents of the centre. Booth shared an encouraging word as well as insights into life as a Bafana Bafana player. The young people eagerly asked questions and their excitement was palpable. The centre leadership stated what an inspiration this had been to the young people. Booth also promised to return again in the future and conduct a coaching clinic.
Although this outcome from the LegalWise MFAD is in itself a great encouragement, AIS are also pleased to announce their ongoing commitment to working with the Walter Sisulu place of safety and assisting with their soccer programmes. AIS have also invited the centres to send children for trials for the newly formed LegalWise Hope Academy in Dobsonville, Soweto. This is in fulfilment to their ongoing mandate to provide soccer opportunities for the disadvantaged and vulnerable – all of which cannot be accomplished without the continued support of AIS’ friends, partners and supporters.
In 2010 the LegalWise Freestyle tournament and Match for a Day events will once again generate much needed funds to support the ongoing work of AIS. Please join Matthew Booth in pledging your support to these events.
Email Tim Tucker: timtucker@ais-africa.co.za or see www.ais-africa.co.za for more information.