A new international partnership between the Gauteng Provincial
Legislature, German sports firm Schächter Sports GmbH, and Bundesliga 2 club
Arminia Bielefeld has been launched, using football as a tool for youth
development and education.
The initiative kicked off with a pilot coaching session at Crosby Academic
School in Johannesburg, marking the start of a long-term project designed to
create structured pathways linking grassroots sports with education,
leadership, and international opportunities.
A Vision for Holistic Development
The event highlighted a commitment that extends far beyond the football
pitch. Hon. Dulton Adams, Chairperson of Committees at the Gauteng
Provincial Legislature, emphasized the program’s broader goals.
“We are not merely launching a football clinic—we are launching a vision,”
Adams stated. “A vision that uses sport as a vehicle for growth, for
leadership, and for shaping well-rounded young citizens.”
He confirmed that Crosby Academic School is the pilot site for a program
that will expand to other schools across Johannesburg and Gauteng. Adams
thanked the German partners for their belief in the province’s youth,
highlighting the collaboration as a model for aligning community sport with
provincial development goals like social cohesion and youth empowerment.
Bridging Continents with Expertise
The coaching clinic was led by a uniquely qualified figure: Delron Buckley,
a South African football legend and former Arminia Bielefeld player.
Buckley, who is currently completing his CAF Coaching License, recently
returned from a two-week professional immersion in Germany, where he
shadowed Arminia Bielefeld’s technical staff. His role strengthens the link
between European coaching standards and African grassroots potential.
The German delegation, including Arminia Bielefeld CEO Christof Wortmann,
attended the event, underscoring their commitment.
“We believe that real progress in football starts at the grassroots level,”
said Wortmann. “Through our partnership with the Gauteng Legislature, we aim
to share our knowledge, inspire local coaches, and create sustainable
opportunities that will continue long after the final whistle.”
A Sustainable Roadmap for the Future
The pilot program is the first step in a detailed plan for sustainable
development. The partnership’s future roadmap includes:
- Expanded coaching clinics for young players and educators across
Gauteng. - Professional workshops for local coaches and physical education
teachers. - Identified talent development pathways, offering learners the chance
to train in Germany. - Educational programs using sport to teach life skills like leadership,
teamwork, and discipline.
By merging international football expertise with local commitment, this
collaboration aims to build a lasting legacy of sport-driven community
development.
