GRASSROOTS GRIT

PORTO FOOTBALL CLUB SEEKS SUPPORT TO CHART A FUTURE FOR LOCAL BOYS

- LANCE FREDERICKS

THERE'S a crackle of excitement happening in the area of Diamond Park, a section of Greenpoint in Kimberley.

In this township, determined young footballers are chasing a football while at the same time chasing purpose, discipline, and hope. Porto Football Club, affectionately known as PJ Stars, was established in 2023 by a few dedicated soccer lovers, members of the Diamond Park community.

What began as a modest initiative to get local boys off the streets has grown into a full-fledged club, currently fielding five teams across age divisions from Under-11 to Under-19. For many of these young players, football, in addition to being a pastime, is a lifeline.

"Some of our boys come from tough backgrounds," said Renaldo van Wyk, the club manager.

But Van Wyk also told the DFA how one young man turned his life around, and as a result, put his energies into helping to build the club. "One of our management staff was involved in drugs and gangs before joining us. But he put that behind him and really helped us get our club going.