SayProCDR – update report for the Diepsloot Arsenal Practice Session on 30 May 2025: by Linah Ralepelle – SayPro Development Manager – 03 June 2025

To the CEO of SayPro Neftaly Malatjie, the Chairperson Mr Legodi, SayPro Royal Committee Members and all SayPro Chiefs

Kgotso a ebe le lena
Date: 30 May 2025
Time: 14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Location: Diepsloot Community Sports Grounds
Coach/Facilitator: Ngoako Ramolesana
Participants: 88 Total

• Boys: 65
• Girls: 23
  

1. INTRODUCTION

The Diepsloot Arsenal practice held on 30 May 2025 forms part of the ongoing Arsenal youth development initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing grassroots football talent in South Africa. The session was led by Coach Ngoako Ramolesana and took place over a 3-hour period in the afternoon. The primary focus was to strengthen fundamental football skills, build team dynamics, and offer an inclusive platform for both boys and girls to develop in a structured environment.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE SESSION

• To develop technical football skills among young players.
• To promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership on the field.
• To encourage active participation of girls in sports.
• To assess individual and group performance for potential follow-up support.
• To foster a safe, fun, and inclusive football environment for all youth participants.
  

3. SESSION BREAKDOWN

🕒 14:00 – 14:20 | Warm-Up and Introduction

• Participants gathered in a semi-circle for a briefing from Coach Ramolesana.
• Warm-up included light jogging, stretching, and agility movements.
• Short group activities focused on coordination and reaction timing.

⚽ 14:20 – 15:30 | Skills Training Drills

Participants were divided into manageable groups to rotate through different skill stations. Each station was overseen by an assistant or volunteer.

Drill Focus Areas:

• Ball Control & Dribbling: Cone weaving, shielding, close control exercises.
• Passing & Receiving: Partner passing, wall passes, passing accuracy games.
• Shooting: Shot technique, targeting accuracy, volley practice.
• Defensive Play: Marking, interception drills, 1v1 scenarios.

Emphasis was placed on equal participation from both genders. Girls were encouraged and supported to take active roles in all drill segments.

🔁 15:30 – 16:30 | Small-Sided Games

• Players participated in small team matches (5v5 and 7v7 formats).
• Teams were mixed to promote diversity and inclusion.
• Matches helped reinforce the skills learned during drills.
• Tactical instruction and real-time coaching were provided during play.

🧘 16:30 – 17:00 | Cool Down and Reflection

• Static stretching and breathing exercises to cool down the body.
• Final team huddle and debrief led by Coach Ramolesana.
• Players were encouraged to reflect on their performance, teamwork, and areas for improvement.
  

4. PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT

• Total attendance: 88 youth
• Gender participation: Strong turnout of 65 boys and 23 girls.
• Many participants showed high levels of enthusiasm and concentration.
• Several girls showed exceptional skill improvement and confidence.
• A few players were informally identified for follow-up assessment and potential development support.
  

5. OBSERVATIONS

• The children responded positively to the structured format and supportive coaching style.
• The mixed-gender activities fostered a spirit of unity and respect.
• Equipment availability was adequate, though more training balls and cones could improve efficiency.
• No injuries or behavioral issues were reported.
  

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

• Continue with regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build consistency.
• Allocate more coaching support to handle increasing attendance.
• Seek to involve more female coaching mentors to support girl participants.
• Consider implementing a basic player tracking system to monitor growth.
• Expand community outreach to involve parents and local educators.
  

7. CONCLUSION

The Diepsloot Arsenal practice session held on 30 May 2025 was a great success. It reflected the growing enthusiasm for football among youth in Diepsloot and the value of community-driven sports development. Coach Ngoako Ramolesana provided a professional, structured, and engaging environment that supported both technical learning and personal growth.

This session reinforced the importance of continued investment in grassroots training and inclusive sports programming.

My message shall end here

Linah Ralepelle | Development| SayPro