Match for a Day is Ambassadors in Sport - South Africa's premier fundraising event. So it's time for me to attempt the ultimate football endurance event - the AIS Match for a Day (MFAD) sponsored by LegalWise.
I get the chance to live out a childhood dream of playing in a huge stadium.... the newly erected Orlando Stadium in Soweto the home of the South African PSL team Kaizer Chief's (see photo's). The events kick's off at 2pm on Friday 9th October with the AIS team playing the first of 24 seven-a-side games... and hopefully I'll still be standing when the final whistle sounds at 2pm on Saturday 10th October. I have the responsibility of managing the AIS team which will once again be starring Lee Sharpe, former Manchester United & England soccer player, with various cameo appearances from other ex-professionals and local celebrities.
At MFAD we raise funds in a variety of ways... one of which is through each player requesting their friends and family to give a small contribution to encourage us in our endeavor. This site offers you the perfect way to do this!
AIS continue to depend upon the generous support of our friends and partners in order to bring hope to young people throughout Africa through the medium of soccer. We believe we have a message of Good News that can transform lives... and football helps us build meaningful relationships through which we can lead people to God.
Sinethema is a young man I met in Khayletisha earlier this year as we launched his community AIS soccer academy.
Sinethema was a member of the 28’s gang in Pollsmoor Prison when he came into contact with Ambassadors in Sport. Although he had to practice gangsterism to be a member, the trade off, was brotherhood and safety in the prison, something every inmate craves. His decision to leave the 28’s gang and join Hope Academy was a difficult one. Although he craved the hope that emanated from the cell of the Hope Academy members and could hardly wait to get on his boots and practice soccer with them for hours a day, he knew he could only have one or the other. Leaving the 28’s meant he would forever be ostracized and targeted by the gang. But in the end, he decided to leave the gang, and pour his life into the Hope Academy program. His life changed and he became an example for other inmates to follow. He was soon appointed captain and led the academy team with seriousness and devotion.
Upon his release in 2007, Sinethemba offered his changed life, devotion and training to the impoverished community of Driftsands, Khayletisha. Full Story continued at http://tempuri.org/tempuri.html
2010 is a key year for soccer in South Africa and for AIS this is no different. Our goal is to have 10 soccer academies running across South Africa by 2011, please assist us if you are able to.
For more information please visit our website:http://tempuri.org/tempuri.html or join our Match for a Day facebook group.
In His Service
Mark
p.s. Please take time to watch the slideshow (video) of our Hope Academy work in Drakenstein.
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