As the countdown to Friday’s draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hots up, David Beckham attended a Coaching for Hope session in Cape Town.
The visit was part of The FA’s International Development Programme and Beckham, who will be helping make the draw for the World Cup Finals, was also joined by former South African captain Lucas Radebe and FA Chairman David Triesman.
The session was staged at Ikhusi P.P. School, Khaylitsha Township and featured a CfH workshop involving HIV awareness techniques. Beckham was taken on a tour of the facility by CfH young leader Michael, before joining more than 30 youngsters for a question and answer session and kicking off a specially arranged tournament.
“It is amazing to visit a project like this and see the effect football has on young people,” said the England midfielder.
“Football has the power to change lives and these youngsters are able to learn valuable lessons through their love of the game.
“I feel privileged to have met these children and despite the fact we come from different backgrounds we share a love for the game of football.
He added: “Aids is a very real problem in places like Khaylitsha and football must ensure it does whatever it can to help educate young people of its dangers and make a difference.”
Coaching for Hope is one of five official FA charities for 2009 and has been supported by The FA IDP since 2005. The programme uses football to create better futures for young people in West and Southern Africa.
By organizing training courses with professionals from UK clubs, CfH trains local football coaches and youth workers to recognized FA standards as well as gain skills to educate and enable the youth in their communities to address such issues as HIV and AIDS and Substance Abuse.
“It has been inspiring visiting this Coaching for Hope session,” added FA Chairman, David Triesman.
“Watching the boundless energy and promise of these young people has been an amazing experience. Football has a power to inspire change. I am in awe of the coaches here who have the ability to make a difference to the future of these children.”
For more information on Coaching for Hope visit
www.coachingforhope.org
