Meet Lindiwe – Our Netball Scholar

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Supported through our School of Excellence Programme in South Africa, Lindiwe comes from a typically tough background having grown up in the township of Kwazakhele in Port Elizabeth without ever knowing her father. Her mother has never worked formally and spent most of Lindiwe’s life away in her original home town of Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape. As a result Lindiwe has been mostly brought up by her older sister, along with her two other siblings and nephew. Her older sister runs a ‘Shebeen’ (township drinking bar) in the informal settlement of Gqebera and Lindiwe sleeps in the store room with her cousin, surrounded by beer crates.

Despite her tough circumstances, or perhaps as a result of them, Lindiwe stood out in the United Through Sport Programme as a talented Netball player with an attitude of true grit and determination to succeed. As a result, United Through Sport secured a scholarship for her part way through grade 9 to Pearson High School in 2011. In her first term, the gulf in education looked like it would be too much – she failed every subject scoring only 11% in maths and 13% in English. Yet, Lindiwe had been given this opportunity for a reason and her determination came to the fore. She worked for 5 hours every night to complete her homework and do extra catch up classes , every Friday she would take an English book from the library and read it over the weekend and return it on Monday. Gradually her results improved due to her hardwork and perseverance. Lindiwe is now in grade 12 at Pearson, she is an active member of the debating society and represents the school in Netball. Her ambition is to become a Lawyer and she has applied to four of the top Universities in South Africa. She is on track to be amongst our first group of children to go to University each of whom will be the first in their families to do so.

Lindiwe is not a stand out child of our programme, but rather a typical example of the children we work with who come from such difficult circumstances yet have so much potential to completely change their own lives and the lives of their families for good.

If you would like to support others like Lindiwe then click on the Sponsor a Child link below.

St Lucian Kids visit UK (TourAid)

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To mark International Women’s Day, UK Sport Charity, TourAid, hosted children from disadvantaged countries around the globe to compete with each other and teams from England. St. Lucia was represented from girls from our Marchard group, who our staff and volunteers had been working with tirelessly in preparation. A week later and a boy’s team were brought over to represent St. Lucia, comprising of players from our Marchard and Laborie groups.

The tournament was designed to develop confidence, leadership and teamwork amongst less fortunate children across the world and to forge ‘lasting relationships’ with their communities and UK schools and organisations.

Both Lucian teams were accompanied on this life changing experience by United Through Sport Coaches, Elvin & Ervin Joseph, who themselves were visiting the UK for the first time. Ervin said of the experience:

“It was an unforgettable trip for all involved, particularly seeing the range of different cultures mix and learn from one another. Both teams managed two wins each but gained so much more from this trip.”

Former United Through Sport Volunteers, Scott Black and Rupert Deane, came along on the final day to cheer on the boys team on, much to their delight.

 

Ghana Team enjoy Independence Day Celebrations

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To the average person it is probably any other day, but March 6th is probably the most important day in any Ghanaian’s year. Despite this wonderful country being so deeply religious, there is something else which Ghana values above the rest, her independence and young heritage as a Republic.

March 6th 1957 marked the day that this nation’s people, led by National hero Dr Kwarme Nkrumah, won its’ freedom by the British Empire. Before this date, Ghana had been known as the Gold Coast and was most notable for her brutal history involving centuries of exploitation from the land and people, through taking of gold and mineral reserves and also the taking of the people. The greatest crime against humanity in history emanated from Ghana’s beautiful coast. European forts were utilised for the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the horrors of the Middle Passage were not much worse than the conditions people from West Africa were kept in at Castles such as Cape Coast and Elmina in Ghana’s Central Region.

Volunteers came to spectate, whilst Ghanaians came not only to celebrate, but to remember the struggles their forefathers went through for their right to freedom. The national slogan of ‘Freedom and Justice’ stands proudly above the Black Star Arch in Accra’s Independence Square, opposite to where yesterday’s celebrations commenced.

For nearly everybody in the United Through Sport Ghana entourage this was their first chance to experience Ghana’s Independence Day in the capital. Our residential Academy players come from all over Ghana. We have representative players from the far North much closer to Burkina Faso than Accra. Several players emanate from the Eastern and Volta regions touching Togo,whilst large contingent have arrived from Ghana’s second city, Kumasi and the surrounding ‘Ashanti’ region, an area deeply affected by Ghana’s centuries of toils and tribulations with Colonialism.

An ominous morning greeted the crowd. Grey skies threatened and nearly succeeded in turning a proud day to one of farce. The UTS representatives were amongst the capacity crowd that witnessed the other side of Ghana’s hot tropical weather, the deluges of rain that descend in an instant. The relentless rain and wind tried its best to mar the celebrations of this special day.

The experience Ghana imposes on her visitors is something that leaves its mark. The strength and honour shown by the schoolchildren, armed forces and emergency service representatives that marched on behalf of their people in Black Star Square was a true sign of patriotism. These marchers, [upon receiving a standing ovation on their exit from the square] responded in the most Ghanaian fashion one could imagine. In no way deterred by hours of withstanding ferocious gales and rains, they happily danced for the thousands that had packed into the stands of the square. Together the servicemen in an outrageous display of patriotism and comradery absorbed the force of the storm and used the energy to entertain their wet and admiring onlookers.

The United Through Sport Ghana players, staff and volunteers did not witness a typical Independence Day comprised of proud speeches and order [the public address could hardly be heard over the winds]. The day epitomised the other facet of Ghana that its’ visitors come to love, the ability that all Ghanaians have to improvise something that seems ruined into something special and memorable in its own way. Whether this is small children using a ball made of trash and string to play football on wasteland or the serviceman standing tall and dancing together to salvage and savour a National Day of memorial and gratitude. The citizens of this young country really embody everything that people come to love and admire in Ghana.

Ghana Academy vs MTN Reality Starlets

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United Through Sport’s U15 Academy side accepted the invitation to play against a very different Academy team this week. Located on the fringes of Accra’s Central Business District, our players took to the ‘Yellow Arena’ to play the MTN Soccer Academy team. MTN is the biggest mobile phone provider in Africa.

In its’ seventh season, the MTN Soccer Academy is a Big Brother style reality show where player’s performances earn public votes, and staying in the house can win you a trial with Chelsea FC. The show has discovered many talented players that have gone on to play in major European leagues and also domestically, for Glo Ghana Premier League teams such as Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.

The match was a fiercely competitive six aside contest. Although small sided games are a feature of most footballers training at any level, the United Through Sport boys did not have much time to adapt to the frenetic pace of the game and new format. The ‘playing for your life’ motive certainly seemed evident in the MTN players. Many of the United Through Sport Academy players have only played more a handful of matches on real grass and the wear on many of their boots gave their opponents a noticeable advantage.

The MTN team started strongly, playing with panache and confidence whilst our team struggled to hold onto the ball. As our players adapted to the conditions, and seemingly took control of the game, they were soon to discover why the MTN boys are so highly rated.

In the space of two minutes, two long distance thunderstrikes crashed into the top corners of the United Through Sport goal (Ahhhh!), leaving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance with either effort. Our Academy kept their heads up and continued to play their way back into the game, well crafted moves leading to some great chances that were denied by a pair of fine saves and the woodwork respectively.

Continuing to build up the pressure, our boys in red were caught by a cruel deflection to set up a counter attack to make it 3-0 to the MTN Academy. Not letting this get them down, Ibrahim Sulley, charged with leading the line for the United Through Sport Academy team, hit a quickfire brace to narrow the deficit with some fine finishing.

Unfortunately, the team could not convert their chances. In between having a stonewall penalty appeal denied they conceded two more soft goals against the run of play. A half time scoreline of 5-2 was a cruel reflection of a half that could easily have gone either way.

Encouraging and calming words from the United Through Sport coaches seemed to have worked, with Captain Joseph Amoah leading the team straight out of the blocks in the second period. Despite strong pressure from the visiting team, chances were not converted and lessons were not learned. Two near identical incisive counter attacks from the MTN team put the score almost out of reach at 7-2.

The match had seemingly settled into a frustrating pattern whereby the United Through Sport team could not finish their chances and were clinically punished for their frailties and inexperience. Ibrahim Sulley, the saviour of the first half and the brightest attacking spark on display, added his third and then fourth of the game to bring the away team back into contention. A further fifth goal hammered in from Akwasi Anockey visibly shook their opponents as the scoreline became 7-5. To their credit, the MTN side remained resolute and their stubborn defensive efforts paid off as they kept it tight and then capitalised on a late ‘gung-ho’ approach, adding two more final goals.
The United Through Sport Ghana Academy team has come a long way in a very short space of time. The players can be proud that they matched older and more experienced opponents in an unfamilar playing environment. Many of the opposing players may forge careers from this experience and it is the goal of United Through Sport thar our Academy players can too.

Academy Players compete for National Tennis Ranking

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Wednesday 5th February saw the National Tennis Centre, Accra, host the annual Ghana Tennis Association Competition held to determine National Rank.

United Through Sport Academy Tennis players, George and Emmanuel, made up 2 of the youngest of the 64 competitors present at the tournament which would only see players contest one set.

Both of our young talents began with tough opening matches. George began on the centre court, defeating his opponent 6-2 in a confident and stylish fashion. Academy Tennis coach Yaya watched on from the sidelines and revealed that he was content with George’s performance:

“What I see today is better, 90% of it is in his head and he just needs to work on his focus.”

Emmanuel won the first game against an imposing and experienced rival that had almost as many extra inches in height as extra years of experience. Unfortunately, Emmanuel lost the set 2-6 to the former top ranked Ghana Junior player. Coach Yaya added:

“It was a very even match and I am delighted to see the progression Emmanuel is making when we train being transferred onto the courts in official matches. He has matched a very experienced and physically stronger opponent today and could quite easily have come out victorious.”

In the round of 32 George was drawn to play one of the highest ranked Ghanaian men players from last year. Giving away a huge deficit in size and power, appearing just minutes after his first round matchup, 15 year old George battled to a very credible 4-6 defeat in the intense afternoon sunshine. The quality of his opponent brought out a rousing and improved performance that captivated the crowd with some dazzling rallies and fantastic winning shots.

The boys acquitted themselves in admirable fashion and did not look out of place amongst the nation’s best players. Coach Yaya evaluated the performances:

“The main thing we have been working on is trying not to finish on every point. This aspect of both players’ performance pleased me today. The focus and mental aspects were good.”

A tired George said that he would be working harder on the physical side of his training after tiring greatly in his close defeat to one of the top Ghanaian mens players.

With the talent the United Through Sport Academy boys have demonstrated and possess, coupled with the quality of their play and attitudes against bigger, stronger and more experienced opponents, it will surely only be a matter of time until they are challenging each other and the other, younger, Tennis Academy players in the finals of this and other tournaments.

Ghana Tennis Boys compete in Open Tennis Championships

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On Friday 27th December 2013, three of the United Through Sport Ghana Tennis Boys competed in the Accra Christmas Youth Open Tennis Championships, held at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Emmanuel Wettey, George Nyarko and Reginald Okai competed in the tournament, representing United Through Sport.

All three boys played exceptionally well and fought every point to the wire in each of their matches. Reginald Okai reached the group stages of the tournament, whilst Emmanuel Wettey and George Nyarko made it through to the final stages.

George finished third overall in the U-14’s competition, after defeating his opponent in his final match which decided third and fourth position in the tournament. Emmanuel made it through to the final of the tournament and finished in second place.

This was a wonderful result for all of the United Through Sport Ghana team and a fantastic way to end 2013. Congratulations boys! Everyone at United Through Sports looks forward to some more fantastic results in 2014!

Ghana Boys Play in the Accra Senior Open Tennis Championship

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Monday 2nd December was an exciting day for two of our Tennis Academy Boys, George Nyarko and Emmanuel Wettey, as they competed in the Accra Senior Open Tennis Championships at the Accra Lawn Tennis Club.

Both George and Emmanuel entered the Singles tournament and joined forces in the Doubles tournament to fly the United Through Sport flag. The Accra Senior Open Tennis Championships attracts players of a high standard and this year was certainly no different, as there were Davis Cup players and former Ghana number 1’s among the entrants. Volunteers and staff attended the tournament to cheer the boys on and show their support.

George and Emmanuel, who are both 14 years of age, played their Singles matches on the first day of the tournament, their opponents were all at least 20 years of age, showing just how talented our United Through Sport boys are already. They each played four Singles matches and won one match each; a fantastic achievement for both boys. On the second day the boys played in the Doubles tournament, although there were no victories for them they both played incredibly well and showed off just how much talent they have. Throughout both the Singles and Doubles tournament, Emmanuel and George did themselves proud, they played their hearts out and fought every single point down to the wire; they both really are big Tennis stars in the making!

Ghana U11’s and U13’s Football Tournament

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Friday 29th November saw the United Through Sport under 11’s and under 13’s teams compete in a Football Tournament held at Lizzy’s Complex in East Legon, Accra. The boys were accompanied by United Through Sport staff, volunteers and special guests who cheered them on as they took on their opposition teams. To add some extra importance to the day, a crew from TV Africa came along to film the boys playing and interview some of the UTS team.

The United Through Sport under 11’s team (green shirts) played first, the match was fast paced and action packed from the first whistle. The boys played extremely well and showed off their skill to those who had come along to support them, lots of great attempts at goals were played and the our United Through Sport boys scored two goals during the match. Unfortunately at the final whistle the boys were defeated 4 – 2, but they played a fantastic game and really did themselves and United Through Sport proud.

Next up, the United Through Sport under 13’s team (orange and black shirts) took to the pitch, the boys played really well and showed just how far they have come through their training over the past few months. The match was action packed with lots of great balls played and goals scored, the light faded as things got into full swing but this didn’t affect the match as the flood lights came on to ensure the match was played to full time. The match finished at 3 – 2 to the opposition team, another great effort from the United Through Sport boys.

After the match, United Through Sport staff were interviewed by the TV Africa crew, this was a great opportunity to promote United Through Sport Ghana and raise the profile of the work that is being in done in Accra. It was a great afternoon for everyone and the atmosphere amongst the boys and United Through Sport staff was fantastic as the day came to a close.

South Africa Sustainability for Feeding Scheme

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This October brought around the 4th annual visit from Wellington College’s Social Apprentices. Each year for the past four years has seen Wellington send a group of young socially conscious pupils to work within the United Through Sport South Africa programmes, with a focus on creating a legacy from each trip through providing useful facilities and lasting relationships with their South African peers.

Past trips have seen the group build a kitchen, a gym facility and a computer room for the United Through Sport School of Excellence Programme. This year’s focus was creating a vegetable garden that would supply the United Through Sport kitchen with enough vegetables on an on-going basis to feed the 90 Junior School of Excellence (JSE) Programme participants on a daily basis, thus providing further sustainability to the programme.

The 40 Wellington College pupils and four teachers along with their 40 JSE buddies worked tirelessly for four days to turn an unused patch of land into a huge vegetable garden capable of producing 10kg of vegetables per week, including carrots, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, beans and lettuce. The garden was also fitted with four 5000 litre water tanks and irrigation network to use the water collected from the school roof to keep the plants watered.

Apart from the success of the vegetable garden, the Wellington group also formed lasting relationships with their ‘buddies’. This programme saw them spending the week interacting with kids from the JSE programme who have been put forward for the Senior School of Excellence (SSE) scholarships for next year, with the aim of improving their communication skills and broadening their horizons. The week’s activities saw them spending time coaching sports at Emzomcane Primary School, visiting Langbos crèche near Addo, visiting Kayalethu Boys Haven and bowling with their buddies, before ending the week with an overnight trip to the Shamwari Conservation Experience.

This year’s Wellington group were so successful with their fundraising that they far surpassed the total needed for the Vegetable garden and were able to sponsor a further 5 children in the SSE programme for next year. This is added to the two currently being sponsored all the way through high school by Stanley House from the College.

“This year’s group from Wellington added such a valuable contribution through the garden, through the buddy relationships and through the funds raised for scholarships! Their annual trip has become an integral part of our programmes!” – Nosipho ‘Spakes’ Xapile – Program Manager, Junior School of Excellence Programme.

South Africa Netball Girls Visit UK

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At this moment ten pupils from the Junior School of Excellence (JSE) program are in the UK for a sports and cultural exchange tour sponsored by touraid. The under-13 girls are taking part in netball and touch rugby tournaments and will experience some cultural activities during their time in England.

The girls, along with the Junior School of Excellence netball head coach, Miss Cadala, and United Through Sport director, Nick Mould, left Port Elizabeth on Tuesday the 1st October; where they were seen off at the airport by overly-excited parents and teachers. The send-off was very emotional as all the ladies were travelling outside South Africa for the first time, with the experience of flying on a plane… a first for the young stars.

During their time overseas, the team will have an opportunity of mixing with a group of girls from Kenya who are visiting England at the same time. Visits to Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street have been arranged and the group will also go on the famous London Eye and go and watch their first ever live English rugby match.

We are extremely grateful to be working with touraid to afford such a life time experience to the youth in our programs. This is the second sponsored tour that we have been granted by touraid, with the first one in 2009 where a group of rugby boys travelled to England for the same period of time. We hope the relationship between United Through Sport and touraid has even bigger prospects in the future.

The touch rugby team captain, Tasneem Webb, said she was excited to play in the UK. “I want to be famous, I want to be seen playing for the school”.

Eagerly waiting their return on the 13th October to hear all about the tour, we trust the girls will have fun, represent the organisation well and fly high the South African flag in the UK!