With the world focusing on the Soccer World Cup in Russia, Maccabi South Africa decided to bring the game alive to a group of residents from the Selwyn Segal Centre in Sandringham for a morning of football training session.

Maccabi South Africa, who in collaboration with Forwardzone hosted the team at the Sandton Action Sports Arena in Kramerville.

The Selwyn Segal team were taught basic football skills to help prepare the team for the third annual Discovery Disability tournament, which will be held in August. “The residents really enjoy watching and playing soccer. It gives them a great opportunity to be active and stay healthy, while also providing a way for them to just have fun” says Lara Milner from the Selwyn Segal. “Earlier in the year the residents went to watch Bidvest Wits play in the PSL”

Social responsibility and outreach is an integral part for the Maccabi SA. “Maccabi has an important role to to play in developing sport in the community and to utilise  sport as a vehicle for social cohesion” says Cliff Garrun, Chairman of Maccabi SA. “Initiatives such as this really reflect the power of sport and the value of partnerships.”

While it was a really cold day, the residents were treated to the warm indoor environment of the Sandton Action Arena. The morning session was run by Forwardzone, whose team of coaches put the players through their paces with a variety of fun football drills. The residents proudly wore their new Selwyn Segal Eagles kit that was donated by Forwardzone. They also all went home with a new soccer ball, water bottle and boot bags.

The relationship between Maccabi and Selwyn Segal was kicked off with the U18 Maccabi Football team that went to the Maccabiah in 2017. The group of youngsters hosted several activities with the Selwyn Segal Eagles, and this will hopefully continue to grow into an important partnership for both organisations.

Forwardzone is proud to be apart of this initiative