Goal50, a Guernsey registered organisation, was set up to assist a South African soccer academy in its goal of purchasing or building an orphanage inCape Town. The soccer academy was established by Mario van Niekerk, a reformed gangster, who wanted to find a way to keep children off the streets and avoid the pressures of drugs and violence that he faced as a gang member. His organisation, Great Commission United Soccer Academy, which is attached to one of the worst performing primary schools in the Western Cape, offers 250 boys aged seven to 19 something constructive and fun to do after school. His vision is to create an orphanage under the umbrella of the soccer school that helps his local community even further.
Nigel Pascoe, who lives and works inGuernsey, is the Chairman of Goal50. He set up the charity following a visit toSouth Africaat the time of the World Cup in June 2010.
'I wanted to get involved because of my church work and my interest in football. There is a desperate need for help out there and Mario's organisation receives very little support from the government inSouth Africaor local businesses. Seeing his commitment and dedication is very inspiring and we are very pleased to be involved,' he said.
'The original aim was to raise £50,000 to purchase a property near the soccer academy which could be modified into an orphanage. However, properties rarely come to the open market and so another option is to purchase a plot of land and build a property on the site. If we go down this route, a further £50k may need to be raised.'
'We have made very good progress in the first year but need to keep up the fundraising and hopefully get additional support from other businesses like the Co-operative, church groups and private individuals in the Channel Islands towards this very worthwhile cause,' said Mr Pascoe.
Fundraising has already been successful with a gala dinner at the OGH and a similar event inJerseyraising £26,000, with boxer/actor Joe Egan (once described as 'the toughest white man on the planet' by Mike Tyson) who was guest speaker.St Martin's Primary School has also made Goal50 their charity of the year and further school initiatives are planned.
'We are committed to the International Year of Co-operatives 2012 so what better way to celebrate that than supporting a local charity initiative that is co-operating with an international project which is looking to provide for its community. We are delighted to be able to help out and wish them well,' said Jim Plumley, Chief Commercial Officer of The Channel Islands Co-operative Society.
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