This young Blikkiesdorp footballer is one step closer to achieving his goal of playing soccer overseas.
Jayde van der Byl, 16, who grew up kicking ball in the sand in the impoverished township, was chosen as part of the City Mission Educational Service’s seventh international soccer tour in Germany in September.
Jayde’s father Errol, 57, who is a caretaker at a school in Delft, says he is proud of his son’s achievement.
“I used to coach him for many years when he played for Blikkiesdorp United,” he says.
“This is an amazing opportunity and I hope he gets scouted [by a German soccer club] over there.”
Errol says Jayde is dedicated to his studies at City Mission Secondary School in Bridgetown.
“Jayde is at the hostel during the week and comes home on weekends,” he says.
Excel
“I’m fortunate to have him at this school for the past four years and it’s really made him excel academically.”
Jayde has been chosen to go to Germany for the International Tour 2017. The tournament takes place from 29 September to 12 October.
The Grade 9 pupil hopes to represent his favourite soccer team Manchester United.
But his favourite soccer player is Lionel Messi.
Jayde, who currently plays striker for Trinity School Soccer Club, is appealing to readers to help him reach his dream.
His father Errol tells the Daily Voice his youngest son is held back by the family’s financial situation.
“We need R30 000 to get him to Germany.
“This will cover his flight expenses, accommodation, food, transport and kit.
“We don’t want him to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so we ask readers to sponsor Jayde’s dream,” he says.
* If you would like to help Jayde, contact Marchelle Hendricks on 083 961 8940.