A sports School with a Difference
The SAFA (South African Football Association)/Transnet-Football School of Excellence was established in 1994, and had 47 learners enrolled in the first year. The school identifies talented young football players from rural and underprivileged communities and prepares them for a professional career on the football field.
Each year, 120 high school boys from across South Africa attend the school where they receive a holistic education that focuses on academic skills, life skills and football development.
Since the academy’s inception, over 2000 players have been admitted into the school. Players who have what it takes to kick and play their way into the school could soon find their feet playing on local and international soccer pitches, just like their predecessors: Steven Pienaar, Bernard Parker, Daine Klate, Bryce Moon and Masilo Modubi, who are all products of the school.
The Transnet Foundation has made strategic investments in the SAFA/ Transnet Football-School of Excellence over the years to strengthen the opportunities provided to the learners to pursue professional sporting careers, which many of them have done with much success. The School is a haven for youth from disadvantaged communities who are gifted in football. The SAFA/Transnet Football School of Excellence is registered as the Esselene Park Sport School at the Department of Education.
Striving for Excellence
Around 120 boys attend the SAFA/Transnet Football School of Excellence, where along with academic and holistic life skills education, they are also given specialised training to develop their natural football talent. We have dedicated sports and academic staff enabling the learners to excel,not only in football, but in all areas of development.
Children with natural talent are given a fair chance at reaching their goals through our training camps. We scout for new talent at the rural tournaments. With the right encouragement, support and development, many of these promising young learners will be able to qualify for bursaries to further their education and be able to earn a good living through sport.
