VOICED: Academy fosters young footballers through education

The Diambars Academy in South Africa aims to develop young football talent while providing a comprehensive education. Students balance football training with academics, facing challenges like fatigue but adapting to the unique environment. Founded by professional footballers, the project uses football as a means to educate, with the hope of producing professional players. However, the primary goal is to equip students with skills for life success. Despite financial challenges in Africa, students dream of playing professionally in Europe, with a five-year window to achieve their goals, supported by a solid educational foundation.

What is the primary goal of the Diambars Academy?

• To provide a well-rounded education alongside football training

• To offer scholarships to international students

• To create professional footballers

• To focus solely on academic excellence

How do students at the academy manage their time between football and studies?

• They have no fixed schedule

• They focus only on football and ignore studies

• They study during weekends and train on weekdays

• They attend school in the mornings and train in the afternoons

What challenge do teachers face when teaching students at the academy?

• There are not enough teachers

• Students are often too tired to pay attention

• The curriculum is too easy for the students

• Students are not interested in football

What is the long-term aim of the Diambars project for its students?

• To focus only on football skills

• To help students succeed in life, even if they don't go professional

• To ensure all students become professional footballers

• To send students to play in the United States

What is the common dream among the first-year recruits at the academy?

• To become teachers

• To play for a professional team in Europe

• To start their own businesses

• To travel the world