Stars In Their Eyes

On Tuesday I was asked to cover an event in Hout Bay.  The job was for Stars In Their Eyes.

This is quoted from their website:  ( http://www.starsintheireyes.nl/index.php?lang=eng&id=process )

“In close cooperation with a number of South African supporters, Stars is engaging 40 football clubs in the South African disadvantaged communities. The same number of football clubs and communities are being engaged in Europe. These two sets of clubs and communities will enter into twinning agreements, and the process will be closely managed by a professional team.

Supported by football specialists and a multi-disciplined team of volunteers, Stars has developed a comprehensive programme, which is based on the internationally acclaimed Dutch football training model. The objective of this programme is to ensure that the participating European coaches and players, and the South African mentors possess the required skills, with which to transfer the Stars model to developing countries.
The next step is the implementation of a five-year plan, during which time the European coaches and players will visit their counterpart clubs in South Africa every year. These visits will focus strongly on transferring broad based technical knowledge and skills. In addition, a substantial time investment will be made in covering issues such as HIV-AIDS awareness, community and personal values, gender equality, leadership and creating an own future. The project leaders will have a specific assignment to identify those players who have ’stars in their eyes’, who are motivated and committed to creating a new future.

The unique nature of the Stars project not only appeals to football clubs, it moves entire communities into action. Stars is confident of the sustainability of its plan, and continuously searches for cooperation with existing sport, social and job-creation projects in South Africa. Talk to us, and together we can make one plus one equal three!”

During the event footballs were given away to all the kids that attended.  There were messages of hope and inspiration written on the footballs donated by Nike:

If you can help make a difference contact me and I will put you in touch with Stars In Their Eyes

Ron