It’s an attitude, not only an organisation
“Changing lives through sports” that’s not only our slogan, it’s also my personal summary of my past six months.
My name is David, I have been interning at the Helderberg Academy for the last six months and I am from Germany.
Shortly I have to leave South Africa– a country of beauty, diversity and contrasts behind.
In my package there are amazing memories of inspiring people, a passionate crew, lovely young people and a lot of lessons I’ve learned.
“I am here to serve the fatherless generation, but I am also here to learn”.
Loving, Passionate, devotional, empathetic, authentic, inspiring… the list of attributes describing the work of the Helderberg Academy is long.
United by the desire of serving the fatherless generation and the passion for sports, every coach of the team contributes by his own strengths and unique character.
It is more than just work for them, it’s a calling. A calling to answer all those in need of a father figure, friend, brother, coach, listener, adviser and most importantly, the cry for love.
Every child deserves to be loved, no matter what community, financial status or skin colour.
The Academy respects all of them, no matter what society says.
Using an extraordinary combination of sports and life skills, the Academy challenges their players not only on, but also of the pitch.
In a sixteen month program, every month the Academy focuses on a new life skill. From Respect, decision making until perseverance, it covers the lack of social understanding.
The Academy Team around founder Beth understands the importance of social needs of their players and combines them with drills in different sports.
Besides the normal rugby, netball and soccer coaching, the Academy runs Holiday Clubs, home visits, discipleship sessions and one-day trips (e.g. Rugby game in Newlands) in order to deepen the relationships (to parents and young people)& to empower young people to think outside the box.
I am very impressed by the work& I am thankful for every teachable moment.
I am going to miss this place& people, but I do know that they are in good hands.
David