In November 2022, Linda Malinga alongside Themba Dlamini and Terrence Luthuli founded the Young Ballers Football Academy with a vision to revolutionize the local football scene. Inspired by the desire to bring something new and vibrant to the community, They saw an opportunity to provide children with chances they had never had before.
“We wanted to bring a sense of youth and create opportunities for children in our community and surrounding areas,” Malinga explained. The Academy caters to different age groups, offering tailored exercises and training programs specific to each player’s developmental stage. This approach ensures that children are learning appropriate skills for their age while being exposed to higher levels of competition through tours and friendly matches with bigger clubs.
Beyond football skills, Young Ballers aims to protect and nurture the talent of young players, keeping them away from potential distractions and bad habits. Malinga and the other Young Ballers management are committed to overcoming challenges such as limited equipment, community support, and training facilities by being persistent, patient, and faithful. “We want to play an attractive brand of football that will attract interest and support, helping us overcome these challenges,” she said.
The Academy is dedicated to fostering a socially inclusive environment, welcoming everyone, and avoiding any form of discrimination or harassment. The management emphasizes the importance of public support and volunteer involvement, aiming to see their best-performing players scouted to top youth leagues in the country.
Looking ahead, the Young Ballers management envisions Young Ballers playing in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) and becoming one of the top academies in the nation. They believe that local sports events can strengthen the community by bringing people together, fostering social bonds, and creating meaningful connections.
Their vision extends beyond football. They aim to instill common values such as integrity, hard work, respect, accountability, and teamwork in their players. The Academy offers a graduate-level understanding of the sport, encouraging players to learn from professionals and train regularly.
Young Ballers Football Academy strives to improve daily life for children by enhancing their energy levels, mobility, flexibility, and agility. the management is passionate about ensuring children are happy and promoting social interaction, allowing young players to form friendships and bonds over shared interests.
As Young Ballers Football Academy continues to grow, the community is invited to support this initiative. Donations are welcomed to help the team sustain itself and achieve its goals. By coming together, the community can create a connected and thriving environment where children can flourish both on and off the field
By: Ncamiso Dlamini