History was made in the Free State of South Africa when 40 school boys were selected back in May by Dave Bailey the Manager of the International Soccer School to participate in the first BWFCISS International Programme to take place in South in July.
The project, initiated by the Free State MEC of Sport, Dan Kgothule, and run by the Phakisa Major Sport Events and Development Corporation, was brought to the province by Simpsport International and kicked off with Quarter-finalist of the 2010 Hlasela ka Bolo project where schools inherited countries that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Other stakeholders in the project are the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and School Sport under the Department of Education.
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Secondary Schools that were earmarked for the U17's BWFCISS trials included Metsimaphodi from Dewetsdorp, Louis Botha from Bloemfontein, Ntsu from Bethlehem, Kutlwanong from Odendaalsrus, Evungweni from Vrede, Harmony Academy from Virginia, Lere la Thuto from Zastron, and Kgora Thuto from Botshabelo.
The Manger of the International Soccer School Dave Bailey, assisted by local selectors Sipho Mdluli, Moeketsi Mokhele and Prince Magagula were impressed by the boys who spent the day playing soccer to the best of their ability Dave bailey said;
“The boys did very well today and showed a great attitude to the game and a desire to excel and show me they deserved to be in the 40.”
The second stage of the of the project is being held in July when the 40 selected boys take part in a camp held in Bloemfontein where two coaches from the International Soccer School will fly back out to South Africa to deliver the programme. The final stage will see the 40 boys again come together in October where 5 boys will then be selected to take part in the Grand Skills Final back here in the UK.