On 27th July 2013, the Football Foundation held its annual Foundation Cup at the ABSA Spaces for Sports - Gansbaai Sports Ground. Teams from Kleinmond, Zwelihle, Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai, including over 400 kids, all visited to take part and attempt to claim the trophy as Foundation Cup winner! The day began with the 5km Fun Run, involving girls and boys competing on the well-demarcated route around the sports field. Alvino Cupido from Blompark claimed first place in the boys division, while Belina Morake from Waldorf School in Hermanus took first for the girls. The next major sports competition of the day was hockey, which was introduced for the first time this year at the Foundation Cup and well received by the teams who participated. The Football Foundation team won the Under 13’s division and a team representing Okkie Smuts Primary School in Stanford won the Under 11’s. The rest of the day was taken over by lively and competitive soccer matches in the U11, U13, and U15 age categories.
The Football Foundation’s U19 soccer boys regulated the competitions as coaches and referees for the day. While they were often challenged by the kids and coaches alike, they remained firm and focused on the day’s goal: to provide a safe and fair environment for the participants. The rain fell intermittently throughout the day but the sports proceeded until nightfall. The final championship game of the day, the U15’s soccer game between Stars of Tomorrow and FFSA, ended in dramatic fashion: a penalty shootout after sunset, only to be viewed using the lights from the parked cars and taxis. Stars of Tomorrow from Zwelihle won the U11 and U13 soccer tournament, while the Football Foundation took the Cup for the U15’s. Thank you to the Municipality for providing the facility for the day, the teams who participated, and the Football Foundation coaches and volunteers who offered their assistance. It would not be a success without you!
Natasha Bredekamp
