In Cape Town we run an annual seven-week Street Sports Tournament to unite 250 boys and girls under the age of 15, from Langa, Khayelitsha and Masiphumelele using the medium of cricket, soccer and netball. We believe that sport plays a vital role in children's lives, in terms of physical and social development.
In the disadvantaged communities in which we work, extra-curricular sport provides a positive and healthy outlet for young people's energy, whilst developing their social skills and discipline. Too often in these communities, children are left unsupervised after school, before their parents or carers come home.
The Street Cricket program provides an alternative outlet in which the children can excel in their development, while having fun and learning about sport. The added value of positive role models and mentors found in the coaches, older children and community member facilitators reinforces the positive influence sport can have in a child's life. It also educates and involves adult community members on the positivity and importance sport can have in a child's life.
Introducing sports to children from an early age will help to develop long term healthy habits and enhance their social skills and abilities. Sport helps to educate children about teamwork, discipline and time management, all valuable for success in education and other aspects of life. Furthermore, sport positively influences the children in growing up to become competent and confident citizens.
