In the wake of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup, Thanda’s Soccer Program takes a unique approach to South Africa’s most popular sport. We believe that soccer can be a valuable tool to help vulnerable children develop psychologically and socially, primarily because it gives them a chance to learn valuable skills by being part of a team.

Thanda’s soccer group meets daily after school, where the kids eat a much-needed nutritious meal before starting practice. In addition to working on soccer and agility skills, select days are set aside each week for the kids to work on their homework or learn practical life skills from their coach. Above all, Thanda’s Soccer Program teaches positive values by applying lessons from the field to larger issues in life.

Thanda’s soccer coach is a young role model from within the local community. He works with the youth both on the field and in the classroom. By helping the students with their schoolwork and teaching them life lessons, his kids learn to value education, set their own goals, and be leaders in their community.

Like all of Thanda’s programs, the Soccer Program focuses greatly on developing self-worth and the critical thinking skills youth need to make decisions for themselves. This is especially essential in rural South Africa to ensure that youth protect themselves against HIV/AIDS and make healthy decisions throughout their lives.

We have seen vast improvements in the soccer students’ academic performance. Even more importantly, the children are happier and healthier. They are noticeably stronger in facing their everyday challenges, and they are remarkably more motivated to seek out opportunities for the future.

In addition to meeting the kids’ needs today, Thanda’s Soccer Program is giving orphans and vulnerable children the tools they need for a brighter tomorrow.