This aspiring soccer star from Ottery is excited about playing at an international tournament in Sweden but needs help to get there.
Skylyn Lee Edson, 12, is trying to raise R25 000 to attend the Gothia Cup from 12 to 18 July.
The defender for Meadowridge Football Club says his family has only managed to raise R7 000 thus far.
“I am so excited. I don’t play any other sport, only soccer. If I go, I am going to play on the under-13 team,” he says.
“We practise on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but other days I practise at home with the children in the flats. We have our own team.”
Skylyn is a bit nervous as he has never flown before, let alone travelled overseas.
“It will be my first time on a plane and abroad. I am looking forward to going to Sweden. I cannot wait to check out the Swedish soccer stadium and meet more (soccer) players,” he says.
He aspires to be like local soccer legend Benni McCarthy.
“My local soccer team is Ajax Cape Town because most of the players come from the Cape Flats.
"I want to be like Benni one day, he was one of the first soccer players to play abroad and now he is now a coach, that is my dream one day,” Skylyn adds.
His proud mother, Lynn, 33, says her son has been kicking a ball since he could walk.
“He has been playing soccer with other children since the age of two. I am so proud that he got this opportunity and I am trying to raise funds to go with him,” Lynn says.
“I have been selling fruit and luxuries from home. I also just held a karaoke at a club and a market to try and raise funds for Skylyn. It would mean a lot to me if he could go on this trip,” she adds.
If you would like to assist, contact Lynn on061 375 2585
.