About 300 people flocked to the West End soccer field in Athlone on Friday to celebrate Youth Day.
Tashreeq de Villiers AKA Ricki vani Frontline and Isa Parker AKA Spike P” entertained them and stallholders sold food, snacks, and toys on the field in Belgravia Road.
The Athlone police station’s Youth Desk organised the event. Established in March 2021, it tackles bullying, drugs, gang recruitment, unemployment, and other issues affecting young people in the community.
Its chairwoman, Jamie Lakay, said they wanted to show the youth what they could achieve with hard work and perseverance.
“You can do anything that you set your mind to. Our aim was to make a connection with the youth in Athlone and so that they could see the opportunities out there for them,” she said.
Athlone Community Police Forum chairwoman Sharon Claasen said young people in the community needed alternatives to keep them away from drugs and gangs.
“Instead of standing idle on corners, youth can keep active by taking up a sport, taking a run around the field, doing something good for their neighbours. It won’t cost anything and will bring back that community ethos, which is badly missing,” she said.
President of the West End United Soccer Club, Fred Norman, said the club offered young people a place where they could be themselves and grow in a community plagued by drugs.
“This is home for many of our players who come from all types of backgrounds. Our club also faces many challenges including resources and finance. The club needs more financial support because many of our players cannot afford gear and our coaches are buying gear and equipment out of their own pockets,” he said.
On top of that, vandalism and theft dogged the club, he said. Early last year, all of the lights at the field were stolen and had to be replaced.
“The community needs to get more involved. We are having to make do with what we have here. Our field is so small, and so many people are interested in using it, but the condition of the field is poor. We have a multi-racial club and that’s what we teach these kids – that everyone is different and that is okay.”
Member of Parliament for greater Athlone Faiez Jacobs said South Africa had democracy and freedom, but young people still battled unemployment, poverty, and a lack of opportunities.
“Today is about creating safer communities. It is a celebration commemorating where we come from but at the same time to also acknowledge the young people of today. Getting young people to be positive role models like this Youth Desk is something that we commend,” he said.