Extensive Coaching Skills Training Programme Launches at Hout Bay Community Cultural Centre

Gasnbaai, South Africa, February 21, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Earlier this afternoon, twenty selected students from the Hout Bay region in Western Cape began their formal introductions for the ‘Hout Bay Skills Training Programme’ in the Hout Bay Community Cultural Centre.

Leading sport and fitness college, eta created the Hout Bay Skills Training Programme in partnership with the Football Foundation of South Africa (FFSA), City of Cape Town, and Hout Bay Sport and Recreation Council to provide professional expertise on basic coaching skills, fitness, recreation, community development, event planning, resource mobilization, work readiness skills and administration.

This part-time five month accredited (NQF 5) bursary programme, which runs from February – June 2014 every Friday from 09:00 – 15:30, enhances expert knowledge and training for students that will become future Activity Implementers bringing about powerful change in their communities through sports and recreation.

Programme planning participants have undergone rigorous planning the past few months through communicating closely with the City and Council regarding programme approval, support, and execution.

Hout Bay community sports leaders along with representatives from the City of Cape Town, local NGOs, sports clubs, civil society and youth organizations joined for a three-series workshop last year to discuss the programme content in detail – high priority went to responding to the needs and realities, strengths and weaknesses of the current community.

Situated in a rural town where class divisions are rampant, Hout Bay deals with various educational and employment issues that primarily result from its high crime rates, substance abuse, and shortages in institutional funding that further hinder youth from reaching their full potential.

Preliminary results from a survey conducted by the FFSA last month support the implementation of the Programme as the majority of respondents believe that there are currently no adequate skills training programmes in the area, and that having one would strongly revitalize the stability and development of the community.

Survey participants also stressed the need to insert more sports programmes for youth to prevent the decrease of morale, and showed strong approval for both related work readiness programmes and the participation of sports/fitness programmes conducted by community coaches, all of which are aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the Hout Bay region.

Students warmed up with interactive games and sports activities in the morning and were then led to a series of introductory greetings by participating representatives.

Paul Laemmle, Manager of eta Special Projects, began formal introductions by outlining the main goals and objectives of the Programme and speaking about the specific position eta will take in delivering effective training results.

Leán Terblanche, Managing Director of FFSA, then focused on the community driven mission of the Programme by explaining the supportive measures the Football Foundation will bring in and by encouraging students about the long-term social impact they will have on their communities.

Further explanation of the course material was presented by eta facilitator Janice Paddey and the representative from the City of Cape Town, Donny Jurgens, concluded the session by strongly emphasizing the importance of sports for development programmes in the Hout Bay region through collaborative skills development opportunities, strategic fundraising initiatives, and integrated measures for community development through sport.

The City of Cape Town then provided light refreshments and lunch for the participants who spent the rest of the afternoon networking and discussing both personal and professional expectations of the Programme.

Paul Laemmle, Manager – Special Projects, eta College said:
"eta College is proud to be associated with the Hout Bay Community and the Football Foundation of South Africa in bringing football coaching and management skills to the young candidates who have been selected.

"This outreach project will equip the candidates with the skills to mobilise the youth around the sport of football and use this to counter the threat of gangsterism, drug and alcohol abuse.

"As an accredited education provider, our aim will be to qualify these candidates not only as football coaches but also role models who will motivate all those who they come into contact with around the football field. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our project partners and wish all involved success."

Mustapha Peck, Chairperson – Hout Bay Sports and Recreation Council:
“From the Sports and Recreation Council side we are excited and satisfied that eventually the programme has got reference after all the planning by everyone involved and that a full quota of 20 people were accepted.

"We look forward to seeing them fitting into the structures and adding value to communities.

"We would like to thank in advance all roll players for affording them the opportunity to excel to another level which no doubt will benefit many.”

Leán Terblanche, Managing Director – Football Foundation of South Africa:
“The FFSA believes in unlocking the potential of individuals through sports, education and skills development. Hout Bay presents a wonderful challenge similar to what we experienced at our site in Gansbaai – uniting divided communities through integrated sport and development initiatives that encourage social inclusion, understanding and acceptance.

"Thanks to the partners who made this programme possible, this is an amazing opportunity for community members to improve their skills in order to find employment, contribute to the economy and give something back to the people of South Africa.”

For more information about what Football Foundation of South Africa do, please visit the website at www.football-foundation.com.