On 31 May, global sports brand Betway, was in Idas Valley in the Western Cape, for a full-day community football experience.
The football experience was part of the community initiatives rolled out by the newly launched BW Cares Foundation, with kits donated by official partners and 8-time Premier League champions Manchester City.
The day included elite-level coaching sessions delivered by qualified coaching instructors, with a focus not only on tactics and technique, but also connecting football with discipline, teamwork, leadership, and personal development – life lessons that extend far beyond the field.
Idas Valley was the perfect setting for this type of initiative. Known for its rich footballing culture and deep community roots, the experience bridged the worlds of grassroots ambition and professional excellence for the aspiring footballers from the region.
Betway Ambassadors and South African football icons Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo “Major” Majoro added to the day, grounding the event in lived experience, they engaged with the participants, providing valuable insight into the professional world of football through their personal stories and advice.
Tshabalala, a product of grassroot programs emphasised the importance of giving back to football development at the event. Commenting on the day and the initiative, Tshabalala highlighted Betway’s continued commitment to community development.
“Just a few months ago, we travelled to the Northern Cape to donate brand new playing kits to development football clubs as part of the brand’s commitment to community development. Today’s initiative just adds on and reaffirms Betway’s dedication and commitment to serving communities. As proud brand ambassadors, we greatly applaud Betway for putting together such a wonderful day and look forward to even more initiatives such as these across the country”, said Tshabalala.
Betway has consistently demonstrated its strong belief in power of sport.
“The success of this football experience reaffirms our commitment to using sport as a tool for positive change,” said Betway’s Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles.
“Through the BW Cares Foundation and our partnership with Manchester City, we aim to continue creating platforms that empower and inspire future champions both on and off the field”, concluded Rowles.
The local community embraced the event with enthusiasm, proving that meaningful brand initiatives like this can positively impact a community, and when done right, can leave a legacy.
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