WOW J what a magic year and what an awesome group of people we have at Grass Boots FC. It is very hard to believe in September 2009 when we opened our doors that we had only 9 faces at our first training session. The club now has 9 registered teams (150 players) playing in the district and who have competed so well achieving the following results:

U17 – League Winners and Cup Runners-Up

U15 – League Winners

U13 – League Runners-Up and Cup Runners-Up

U11A – 5TH

U11B – 5TH

U11C – 5TH

Another worthy mention in 2011 was the selection of two players to the district teams:

U7 – Mikelo Giose

U9 – Sasha Rodenacker

I am of the strong opinion that our results on the field are due to our eagerness to create a safe, fun environment for the kids to play football in.

So what now, what does 2012 hold for us?

As the club grows we need to ensure that we have planned and budgeted so that your children can have the best experience possible. I am happy to say that the 2011 coaches have said they will be back and we had a great planning meeting last week. We are still looking for more coaches and team managers, so if you can offer your time please contact me.

The 2012 Fees will be R950.00 and this will include a pair of socks and a bib (needed on training days and match days). As per usual the club will lend you the shorts and shirt for the 2012 season.

The club has three SAFA Introductory level coaches

The club is starting to send our coaches to a first aid course, the first two will be attending this week

The change room plans have been submitted to the City of Cape Town and floodlights should be up by May/June 2012

How you can help?

The club is looking for monthly or annual donors so that we can ensure our outreach youth again get safe transport home. The club would love to be able to get a Combi, as this is the best long term option.

• The club also needs donors so that we can continue to improve the playing field.
• We need the parent’s wisdom and passion on our committee so that we can ensure that your children have the best possible experience.
• We need parents to assist us with registering as an NPO, so any lawyers we need you.

Simply the club needs you! The more parents who can assist the better we can make this for all our kids and sport is such a positive way to build our youth.

As we head into the festive break I want to say a big thank you for believing in this small club and may you have a blessed, safe and happy festive season.

Warmest Regards,

Stuart Diamond (Chairman)

By Myron Michel

The future of Maccabi S.A. Junior Soccer looks bright as the Maccabi S.A. Interprovincial Junior Soccer tournament kicked off this past weekend (20th & 21st March) in Cape Town with a huge bang. The tournament saw 200 players participating in the revival of this significant event for the first time in over 20 years, with teams coming from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

The tournament commenced on Sunday morning with a public reading of the Megillah for Purim, followed by the official welcome speech by Jeanne Futeran, former Maccabi World Union President and culminating in the passionate singing of Nkosi Sikelele I Afrika and Hatikvah .

The round robin and play- off games in the the Under 10, 12 and 14 age groups showcased some exciting young future stars of South African football . The high quality football even included a nail biting penalty shoot-out during the u/14 Final between Maccabi Gauteng and Grass Boots FC, with Gauteng coming out victorious. Among the encouraging aspects of the tournament was the inclusion of the Maccabi Kwazulu Natal team and the development Grass Boots Football Club.

The tournament concluded with a closing speech by Jeanne Futeran and Cliff Garrun, Maccabi S.A. Chairman, at the medal ceremony where all players were presented with a medal and participation certificate and the singing of the national anthems of South Africa and Israel.

According to Darren Lazarus, Maccabi Western Province Chairman, the tournament was supported by 800 members of the S.A. Jewish community over the two days and thoroughly enjoyed by all. “Plans for next year have already begun… watch this space”, said Ronen Cohen, Maccabi W.P Soccer Convenor.

TOURNAMENT STANDINGS: MACCABI S.A. INTERPROVINCIAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT 2011

U/10:
1. Maccabi Gauteng (Gold Medal)
2. Maccabi Western Province (Silver Medal)
3. Maccabi Western Cape (Silver Medal)
4. Maccabi Cape Town (Bronze Medal)
5. Maccabi Kwazulu Natal (Bronze Medal)


U12:
1. Maccabi Gauteng (Gold Medal)
2. Maccabi Western Province (Silver Medal)
3. Grass Boots FC (Silver Medal)
4. Maccabi Western Cape (Bronze Medal)


U14:
1. Maccabi Gauteng (Gold Medal)
2. Grass Boots FC (Silver Medal)
3. Maccabi Western Province (Silver Medal)
4. Maccabi Western Cape (Bronze Medal)

New training times are as follows:

• MON and WED – U13, 15 AND U17 – 17H10 TO 18H15
• TUES and THURS – U7, U9 AND U11 – 17H15 TO 18H10

The Grassboots field is done. We are training in Yeoville Road again.