Much is said about the need to empower the boy child while they’re still young. However, most boys are exposed to mentorship only in their teenage years.
That is why Daniel and Kendra Thomae, co-founders of training4changeS, are using sport as a catalyst for holistic community transformation and intentionally equipping young leaders with essential life skills and values from a tender age.
Having come to South Africa as a tourist to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with his stack of CVs – hoping to find employment – Daniel’s passion for social justice surpassed all his plans. He grew up with a ball at his feet in rural Nigeria and experienced first-hand the transforming power of soccer. For young people all around him soccer was the pathway to the life they dreamed of. After having the privilege to travel the world playing soccer and going on to earn two degrees in the USA, Daniel was determined to use the game he loved to give back to the continent that had offered him so much.
South Africa’s hero, the late Nelson Mandela, says: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” Daniel also wanted to influence young boys positively, create a safety net, and protect them from falling prey to drugs, gangsterism and dropping out of school.
“Success on the field could open doors to education and travel,” he points out. “and it could put food on the table and provide for families. For so many soccer offered a faint glimmer of hope in a world of darkness.”
Daniel added that when he and Kendra are on the field with young boys, it is not just about sport but using life lessons to eradicate gender-based violence.
He described their journey as one that was long, with hurdles, as they are always trying to find partnerships, collaborations and investments to take training4changeS further than that which it already is.
“Due to South Africa’s existing socio-economic division, it becomes challenging for us to tap into different markets and communities, as we only operate in areas such Kayamandi, Cloetesville, Ida’s Valley and reaching into Jamestown.
“The road to social justice is one that is certainly not easy, but with resilience it is possible.”
Through successful partnerships and collaborations, the initiative plans to also include an academy for young girls as well, to allow for equal opportunities.
Daniel encourages other entrepreneurs to “just get started” with their business ideas, and not to wait for the “perfect time” to start their business.
While the model for training4changeS is not dependent on technology, it has played an important role in how they operate and enable young boys to connect with soccer legends beyond Africa.
“Basic technology tools just as Google for Nonprofits have played a vital role, in helping scale beyond South Africa, allowing us to tap into markets abroad,” Daniel says.
Similarly, in the spirit of Mandela, regardless of the limitations of resources, he is still determined to take training4changeS beyond the Stellenbosch community and Africa. He reminds other entrepreneurs that “a winner is a dreamer who never gives up”.
