Club Chairman Thlopie Motsepe officially announced the launch of the Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools in partnership with the Global Soccer Schools International.
The announcement was made on Friday afternoon in Midrand.
Below is the statement:
“Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s most successful football clubs, has announced the establishment of Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools through a partnership with Global Soccer Schools International, one South Africa’s most successful grassroots football development organisations.
“The partnership, which was launched in Midrand, was attended by the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe, Head of Mamelodi Sundowns Academy Paulo Cardoso & Founders of Global Soccer Schools Nick and Steph Aresti together with players that have graduated from the GSSI program and youth development coaches from the club.
“Through the partnership, Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools will be home to over 6000 kids spread across the country through soccer schools in South Africa and in the United Kingdom, Manchester. Under the new structure, the schools will continue to cater for young players aged 4 to 15 youths.
“Welcoming the partnership, Nick Aresti, the Founder & Technical Director of Global Soccer Schools International said “This partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns brings alignment of football development into the soccer schools and Junior Academy space. By combining our experience in grassroots and foundation phase coaching with the professional structure and pathway of Mamelodi Sundowns, we believe we can create a meaningful development environment for young players. The Club’s success and the way it has represented South African football across Africa and internationally make this collaboration especially significant.”
“Some of the players who graduated from the schools program include Munashe Mugwara who plays for the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies; South Africa Under 20 International Shandre Campbell who plies his trade for Club Brugge KV1. One of the stand out players is Camden Schaper who made history as the most expensive 14 year old footballer worldwide and is currently with Blackburn Rovers FC, awaiting transfer to Chelsea FC.
“In his resonant speech to the parents and media at the launch, the Chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe said “Youth football is incredibly important to us at Mamelodi Sundowns – and of course, we hope that all the children here may one day become professional footballers. But the success of our programme is not only measured by how many professional players it produces. It is also measured by how many young people fall in love with the game. Because South African football needs more than just players for the future. We need coaches, referees, and businesspeople who will all contribute to its growth” Said The Chairman. “What matters most is that every child leaves here with joy, friendships, and a lifelong love for the sport.”
“The program which caters for all kids regardless of the level of talent will ensure that there is a pipeline to professional football for kids that want to pursue football professionally through the Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy which has been empowering youth and developing players since its establishment.”
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