Illumination Foundation

Projects | Football Development

Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrafice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.

- Pele

AROUND THE GLOBE, FOOTBALL IS A UNIFYING FORCE THAT BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER IN A COMMON LOVE FOR ‘THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.

It is unquestionable that football is an international sport appreciated by all, from different walks of life. Despite cultural and language differences, football has the ability to bring communities together by connecting people with the sport that brings them joy. It breaks down barriers that divide us from one another and inspires peace, even in the unlikeliest of places.

HOW IT BEGAN

The IlluMMination Foundation was sparked, when Founder Muako Maepa and his friend Santino Da Silva (then in their grade 7 year) visited Diepsloot in Johannesburg, where they were introduced to a fully equipped football academy that held after-school practices for youth in the area. Santino and Muako made a promise that they would return one day so they could be of service to this community. A few years later, Santino sadly lost his life.
This tragic event further ignited Muako, and he dedicated The IlluMMination Foundation as an homage to his late friend’s contagious inner light, with the intention to keep the promise he made when he was 13 years old. In Santino’s honour, this foundation serves to uplift and empower the youth of South Africa – with emphasis on training and scholarship opportunities. Santino and Muako both shared a deep passion for the game of football, and was a binding force in their friendship.

FOOTBALL CLINICS

By combining the names of Santino and Muako, the SANTUAKO MOVEMENT FOOTBALL CLINICS were established. We plan to host 4 clinics a year, which scouts boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 from different socio-economic backgrounds to immerse them in a world-class 1-day training camp under the supervision of Zen Gowar, a UEFA certified development coach, head of Steyn City School Football, and Founder of the Goldcity Royals.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The football clinics will develop further as we embark on establishing the SATUAKO MOVEMENT FOOTBALL ACADEMY, a fully-fledged training facility that will provide students with football skills development, nutrition, life-skills training and education on football administration. The academy will also introduce a scholarship programme that will provide the students with the opportunity to get drafted into football development infrastructures in and around Europe and the United States of America.
By promoting the development of football in our communities, we strive to empower the youth and elevate them out of challenging circumstance, teach them how to accept differences, and build valuable skills that lay the foundation for a positive society. Not only is football a direct way of connecting with people, but it promotes unity and humility. Qualities that cement an individuals ability to harness their full potential so that they can fulfil their destiny. It’s this dynamic of football that lends itself ideally to the ethos of the The IlluMMination Foundation and serves as a fundamental cornerstone for the Santuako Movement Football Clinics. A stepping stone towards a much larger and more consistent picture that forms part of football development in our country.

GALLERY

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