Soccer Rules!!

Simmons 4 Africa by Dan Simmons




It didn’t take us long before we realized that among the Zulu children and youth, soccer is king in South Africa. Seemingly everywhere you went, there were children playing soccer; in parks, vacant lots and in the streets. We were amazed to learn that there were virtually NO formal soccer competition, leagues or development programs offered through schools or in the community at large.



God has put on our heart to use this void to reach youth with the Gospel message. By conducting outreach programs through the beautiful game of soccer, we can reach children in the next five years. God has led us to create the United Youth Soccer Association of Northern Natal.



Through this initiative, we are partnering with local evangelical pastors and others to develop formal soccer competition through strategically place leagues while also offering outreach activities/camps for both players and coaches. We have 2 leagues and 2 camps starting in January 2013 and two more leagues set to start in February.



Football Zulu children


Simmons 4 Africa

By:
Dan Simmons

About Us

We are Dan and Deena Simmons who are currently serving in Newcastle South Africa for two months along with our sons Josiah and Micah. We will be leaving in March and hope to return as long term missionaries here by the end of 2012.

What are we doing?

Deena has 21 years teaching as a primary school teacher and she also has 11 years experience in reading curriculum development. She is working with a new Christian school here in Newcastle and is assisting with developing their reading curriculum, remedial reading and teacher training. When we return on a more permanent basis Deena will continue to assist the school with whatever is needed in regards to academic development, teaching and/or training. Dan has teamed up with local pastors in developing a youth soccer organization that will be centred around promoting the gospel to potentially thousands of children and giving these kids an avenue to improve their soccer skills and development. There are currently no soccer leagues or formal competition opportunities for youth in this area. Additionally, literacy in South Africa is low, especially in the more rural areas. Because of this we feel the Lord is leading to start a mobile reading workshop ministry we can take to mission schools, townships and rural locations in the northern KwaZulu Natal region. This workshop would provide reading materials, parent training and tutoring for youth free of charge.

Where are we?:

Working on Children & Youth with Into All The World in Africa