In celebration of Youth Month, Engen has pledged its support to the KwaZulu-Natal Invitational Primary School Soccer Association (KZN IPSSA) thanks to Ndumiso Mncwabe, who utilised the company’s Employee Community Partnership Programme (ECPP) to raise funds for the Non-Profit Organisation.
Ndumiso works as a bulk truck operator at Engen whilst also being actively involved with the KZN IPSSA for the past two years as a parent, trainer, and fundraiser.
He leveraged Engen’s ECPP to secure a R5,000 grant for the organisation based in Hillcrest, Durban.
Engen’s seeks to create meaningful partnerships between Engen employees and their local communities, fostering a caring company ethos.
“These funds will go towards covering upcoming tournament fees, including travel, flights and accommodation costs when the team travels up to Limpopo later this month to compete in the national Bill Stewart Football Tournament,” explains Ndumiso, whose son is competing in the tournament.
“I wanted to do my part and help support those families that are unable to afford the travel costs and make sure that these talented young players get to the finals.”
The KZN IPSSA aims to nurture and expose talented young soccer players to opportunities at provincial and national level, helping them achieve their footballing dreams.
The organisation provides a platform for players from local communities to compete in the annual Bill Stewart Football Tournament.
Damian Pierce, KZN IPSSA Chairperson says over 50 Durban schools comprising 300+ players participate in the trials, with coaches playing a key role in identifying and nurturing talent.
"The programme is great for uplifting upcoming players and shows young players, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, that talent is recognised regardless of their circumstances. It motivates them to pursue their dreams of becoming successful soccer players," explains Pierce.
"Each year, KZN under-13 soccer teams are chosen through a series of district trials in May to represent the province at the Bill Stewart Football Tournament over Youth Month in June. This event offers players a taste of professional sports life, complete with capping ceremonies, formal dinners, and team-building events.
"Thanks to contributions from individuals like Ndumiso and organisations like Engen, we are making a difference in many lives and kicking off dreams for future stars," he adds.
Engen’s CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula says the company is deeply committed to the communities where it operates, which makes it important for Engen to support NPOs like the KZN IPSSA.
“This Youth Month we acknowledge the positive impact that sport has on communities. Backing these initiatives aligns with our values,” says Mdabula.