Draghoender launched her Street Soccer project last Tuesday with the help of Anriek Corridan, an unemployed resident of Borcherds who is passionate about the youth.
"I want to keep the children occupied and out of trouble," said Corridan, who initiated the project.
According to Draghoender, George Mayor Charles Standers was so impressed with the project that he is considering making it a mayoral project.
"Street sport is the way to go," said Draghoender. "It is the best way to keep the children occupied within their own communities. They don't have to be transported anywhere, and can play every day."
Draghoender wants to grow the project to include netball and touch rugby as sport options.
"The idea is to play a match in every street, and then have matches between the different teams," she said.
The group of 20 children were thrilled when they received their sports gift, together with a cup of hot soup to combat the winter chill.
Draghoender was assisted by Nazley Cupido, from the George Municipal Sport Development Unit, and members of her staff Rosa Louw, executive support officer, and Candice Louw, administrative support officer.
Corridan is a firm believer in self-sustainability and he intends to establish a food garden with the assistance of the soccer group.
According to Draghoender, projects like this one enable her to participate in the lives of the young members of her ward.
"It gives me great joy to encourage our youth in sporting activities and worthwhile projects such as the establishment of a food garden," she said.
Mercia Draghoender (left), George speaker, with some of the children who will participate in Borcherds' new Street Soccer initiative. Anriek Corridan (back, middle) will help to get this project going.
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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