Soccer helps reclaim parks and save children

TIRED of feeling inferior and watching children cramped indoors due to the volatile situation in Belhar and Delft communities, Heinrich Januarie has dedicated his time to the FC Duma soccer team.

Taking children to play sport in public parks every Saturday has been welcomed by the community, with some saying it has changed criminality in the area as they play in different parks in the areas.

This is according to community members, who applauded and thanked Januarie for the positive impact he's making in the communities.

“He's done an amazing job reviving our parks and bringing life and creating a safe space for our children,” said a parent, Meyrick Vlopman.

“We as parents wouldn't easily let our children go out anymore as a lot of shooting and other things happen around the parks, but now we all look forward to Saturdays and seeing the children enjoying their freedom. I can say there's been fewer incidents at the parks since he started.”

Marlon April added: “Not all heroes wear capes, they live among us. I am glad Heinrich's work ethic and dedication is getting recognised.”

The community praised Januarie following a successful award ceremony he hosted at Dr Van der Ross Primary School last Sunday, honouring the best performers of the year.

“It's sad that our communities are so gang infested that our children can't even enjoy their childhood,” Januarie said. “I've been contributing to the community for years through soccer, but I realised how parks were invaded and vandalised by a few people, and decided to reclaim them and make them useful.

“It's now slowly becoming normal again to see children freely playing in the parks, even during the week in some areas. That gives me satisfaction, because I believe children must enjoy and experience life the way they're meant to, without fear.”

Januarie's right-hand man, Rudolph Meguire, said although they've managed to tackle issues around the parks, they faced challenges sustaining and fully developing football skill as there's a lack of resources, finance and facilities to groom the talent.

“We'd love for government or anyone to support us. The vision is clear, but with finance coming only from our pockets, progress of the players is very slow. We would like to see them playing on proper fields in the recognised leagues. However, attempts to get support failed,” Meguire said.

One of the awarded players, Geraard Rose, 10, said, “It's nice to play in the parks knowing no one is going to shoot or yell at you. I wish we could have more balls and poles.”

Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for Community Services and Health, said community involvement has been shown as one of the top contributors to protecting parks and other amenities from vandalism, “as behaviour changes when they are perceived to be valuable community assets”.

The department can assist in planning activities, events such as fun run or walk events that draw positive recreation to the open spaces, she said.