columnist Gasant Abarder, pictured with his daughter Misha, has started the ‘Re-Boot' initiative which aims to provide gifted underprivileged children with soccer boots in Woodstock in Cape Town in the Western Cape.
Image: Supplied
Columnist Gasant Abarder has started the ‘Re-Boot initiative, which aims to provide gifted underprivileged children with soccer boots in Cape Town's Woodstock in the Western Cape.
Abarder’s football journey began in his youth when he played for the Blackpool Sports Club in Salt River, a historic community club in Cape Town with ties to Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and AmaZulu defender Tauriq Fielies.
His inspiration for the initiative came after receiving a call from a local children's home in need of soccer boots for boys joining Blackpool - where his love for sports started.
"I grew up in Woodstock and went to school in Salt River. No one in my family played sport and when I was 10, I was desperate to play a sport. It started in the summer of 1988 when I first joined Blackpool Sports Club playing baseball.
"My first pair of boots were hand-me-downs, and I loved it. My parents weren’t convinced I would stick to football, so they wanted me to try it out first. I now – 37 years later – play and coach the game. But I’ll never forget that first pair of pre-loved boots."
Currently, the initiative has received several pairs of football boots, a tennis racquet, and a few tennis balls as the initiative was started on Tuesday.
The former editor of the Cape Times and Cape Argus also mentioned that he currently does not have a long-term project plan, as the idea is still in its early stages. He added he wanted to use his influence to serve all the children in need.
"I am doing what many others are doing in different capacities all over South Africa. Imagine we all work together. Salt River Blackpool Football Club is still serving the community after more than 75 years and recruits children at risk, children of refugees and those from children’s homes.
"I often get calls for boots and I’m currently helping a home in Woodstock. It got me thinking, why stop here? I can use my influence and network to serve all those children in need in multiple codes by repurposing previously loved sports equipment for talented youngsters who need them most," he said.
Since starting the initiative, Abarder has received messages of support from Desiree Ellis and former Manchester United player Quinton Fortune. He has called on people to lend a helping hand.
"I am open to speaking to all and everyone who are like-minded. Re-Boot is Ubuntu in action. I have received messages of support from Desiree Ellis and Quinton Fortune. I just want to spread the word. If you have old kit – especially rugby and football boots lying around as pre-season commences – connect with me at gasantabarder@gmail.com and I will fetch it from you and ensure it is given to a child that deserves it."
IOL Sport
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