Johannesburg, South Africa — October 03, 2024
Schächter Sports, one of the leading global youth football companies is thrilled to announce the official launch of The United Football Initiative (UFI), a non-profit organization. UFI will provide access to professional football training, empowering young players with technical skills and essential life skills in African townships. Together with InterGest South Africa, all relevant foundation requirements have been met in recent months.
The United Football Initiative is based on three core values
- Access for All: We partner directly with township schools, ensuring that football training is accessible to every child. No barriers, no exclusions. Whether they dream of playing professionally or simply want to enjoy the game, UFI opens doors.
- Professional Coaching: Our team of experienced coaches brings expertise, passion, and mentorship to the field. We focus on skill development, teamwork, and character building. Beyond football, we instill life skills that last a lifetime.
- Community Engagement: UFI isn’t just about football drills; it’s about community impact. We organize tournaments, workshops, and events that bring families together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
With a strong focus on Community Engagement United Football Initiative is proud to launch with a first cooperation partner, the Phuthumani Primary School.
Phuthumani Primary School, located in Johannesburg, is more than just an educational institution; it’s a beacon of hope in Tembisa Township. By partnering with Phuthumani, UFI reaches hundreds of children who dream of playing football and achieving greatness beyond their current circumstances. The school serves as a crucial gateway, opening doors for young talent to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Through UFI, we envision a better future for these kids in South Africa—one where their passion for football becomes a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and dreams fulfilled, for a variety of reasons:
- Physical Wellbeing: Regular physical activity through football promotes fitness, agility, and overall health.
- Life Skills: Football serves as a “school for life,” teaching essential skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
- Cognitive Development: Playing football sharpens cognitive behaviors such as focus, concentration, and strategic thinking, which can benefit other areas of life.
- Social Interaction: Football fosters social connections, communication, and respect for others.
- Emotional Regulation: It helps manage emotional responses, conflict resolution, and constructive criticism.
United Football Initiative is proud to finally kick-off its work for the young people in Africa and Aubrey Ngwenya, CEO of the new Initiative describes the excitement this way:
“Through the power of football, we’re not just playing a game; we’re crafting the future for the youth of South Africa. Every goal scored on the field echoes as a beacon of hope in their hearts, and with each pass, we’re connecting paths to a brighter tomorrow. I am overjoyed to be a part of the United Football Initiative, where every kick fosters strength, unity, and endless possibilities for our young stars.”
“We would like to thank Volker Werth and the entire InterGest team for their excellent cooperation and look forward to getting started soon,” says Sebastian Schächter, founder of the Schächter Sports Group.
If you want to be an active part in the Initiative, please visit www.unitedinfootball.com.
