Two best friends from Blue Downs are gearing up to represent South Africa at an international tournament where they will compete with some of the world’s finest young soccer stars.
Chad Hendricks and Jaden Davids, both 17, have been playing together for several years and have been selected to represent the country at the annual International Youth Football Tournament in Dallas, USA, next year.
Chad, who will be in matric at Tuscany Glen High School next year, says his dream is to show other top teams what South Africans can do.
The striker started playing soccer at the age of six by joining the junior team at Tuscany Glen Primary School. Two years later, he joined Blue Downs Spurs.
Jaden, in Grade 11 at Belhar High School, also started playing soccer at the age of six and initially was a member of the Central Football Club in Elsies River.
At the age of 14, the midfielder moved to Blue Downs Spurs.
It is here where the two boys met and they’ve been working together since to hone their fancy footwork.
Chad gyms every day and the duo can often be seen training at the Blue Down Sports Field.
Several weeks ago they attended the trials in Brackenfell and were among 18 teens selected for the South African U19 team.
The boys say while playing in the USA would be a dream come true, each has to fork out R27 500.
In just over a week, they must pay R16 000 each to secure their spot.
“This really is our dream and it’s a chance of a lifetime. This will be the first time overseas for us and we hope people would help us get to Dallas,” says Chad.
Chad’s dad Shannon, 42, says: “We’re proud of him, this is his dream - to get a football scholarship. Any sponsorship is welcome.”
Jaden says he is honoured to be representing his country and is confident the SA team has a good shot at winning.
Jaden’s father, Wayne, 39, says while the families are proud of the boys, they do not have the money to send them off.
“We really are trying, but we don’t have that kind of money. It is a battle and we must have the R16 000 by 24 December. We are appealing for help because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
If you would like to assist, call Wayne on 071 501 7988, or Shannon on 074 948 4046.