Here’s my final update of the last 3 days of my trip to South Africa for Beyond Blue.

Wednesday

Drove to a project run by Amandla in the city centre. This project is run for orphan and trouble boys and the football aspect is a side show to the school that has been training troubled young men in Cape Town for over 100 years.

I also visited a girls home for young ladies who have been mistreated or are orphans. This project really has helped improve the life of these girls who really enjoy getting involved in some sport.

Thursday

Today I get taken back to Mitchells Plain to work with 2 volunteers who work as PE Teachers at Westville Primary school at the school sports day. Lots of colour, vibrance and of course noise! Vuvuzelas and screaming children and parents alike as the children took part in Potato and spoon, bucket and bean bag and hurdles. I presented the winning team with their trophy.

Following this I took some football coaching and awarded 2 pairs of goalie gloves to the best goalkeepers that I trained. The kids were so keen and it was heartening to see them have so much energy and desire to win. I then took a penalty shoot-out competition, the winning boy getting a few Pompey prizes. I then put the girls through their paces with some 3 touch football.

And so my last day of being involved with the coaching was done… exhausting but very, very rewarding!

Friday

This was my last day and it was my free day, allowing me to be a tourist. I took the city hopping sight-seeing bus around Cape Town which took me past many of the famous landmarks before arriving at the base of Table Mountain. I took the cable car up as opposed to hiking it on my own. I was advised it was too dangerous without an experienced guide with me. Stunning views and a stroll through the cloud that hugged the top which the locals call the table cloth made for a truly memorable experience; highly recommended for anyone heading over to Cape Town.

As was the evening’s entertainment,  wherein the evening I took some of the coaches I had spent the week with to watch the Cape Cobras for some T20 cricket at the Cape Town cricket stadium. The cobras won on the last ball and the night ended with views of sunset over Table Mountain and drinks on the grassy bank.

Before I knew it I was at Cape Town airport and my adventure was done. One thing I can be sure of…. I am definitely going back!! Thanks to everyone that made me welcome in Cape Town and the team at the Portsmouth Study Centre, Vicky Taylor at Jobsite and of course Mike Wall our MD for making this possible. A truly amazing experience!!!

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