"All our festivals, such as this soccer festival, are aimed at giving the children, especially the development players, an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the game," explained well-known sporting personality and co-owner of Sport at Backward Point, Keith Cretchley. "It also ensures that players get the opportunity to play against players that they normally would not," he added.
Teams that participated during this year's festival were: Plettenberg Bay Primary, Knysna Sport, Concordia Primary (sponsored by Falcon Creek Spur and Knysna Tourism) and Rheenendal Primary (sponsored by Ocean Basket) schools, and local club CX United.
Cretchley expressed his excitement that both Plettenberg Bay and Kommetjie Primary Schools had entered girls’ teams this year.
CX United coach, Arthur Halters echoed the sentiments of the other teams in saying: "We had a great weekend. For us it was not about winning or losing, but learning from both our victories and losses." He further applauded the organisers of the tournament and added: "The tournament was organised and run extremely well, a big thank you to Mr Cretchley and the team at Sport at Backwards Point for arranging such an amazing event."
According to the coach, the soccer was of a high standard. "We need at least two or three junior soccer tournaments like this each year to boost and develop the junior football in our area," he concluded.
Cretchley thanked all involved in making the soccer festival the success it was, especially the development team sponsors. He said that without their support, the children would not be able to enjoy and benefit from soccer festivals such as this.
View photo gallery.
The joy of the game of soccer is evident on the faces of these Rheenendal Primary School children and their coaches. In the back are the coaches, Walleed Gezza (left), Leslie Harker and Enrico Gezza. The players in the back row are (from left) Maurico Oelf, Mario Mqhele, Jacques Williams and Phatisa Thomas. In front of them are Marcouin Williams, Virgel Payle, Shaunizel Jantijies, Monchesly Motha and Curnol Muller. Lying in front is goal keeper Clemon Matthys. Photo: Fran Kirsten.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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