VW Train 4 Life initiative crowns 2024 winners
Fedilitas Secondary School in Diepkloof Soweto has been crowned as the 2024 VW Train 4 Life soccer tournament champions. Fedilitas defeated Fons Luminus Secondary School in the penalty shoot-out during the finals hosted at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus on 17 September 2024.
The VW Train 4 Life initiative is an education and sports programme that features an under 15 girls' soccer tournament and a comprehensive life skills curriculum aimed at empowering and upskilling Grade 8 and 9 female learners.
Reflecting on the programme's impact, Lucas Radebe, Soweto-born soccer legend and VW Train 4 Life ambassador, said, “It’s incredible to see how much these young girls have gained from this programme. The opportunity they’ve had to learn valuable life skills through sport is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with them forever. Volkswagen has truly created something special here, and I feel honoured to be part of it.”
In recognition of their victory, Fedilitas Secondary School was awarded soccer training kits and equipment for their school. The top four schools – Fedilitas Secondary School, Fons Luminus Secondary School, DiepDale Secondary School, and Madibane Secondary School – each received soccer boots for all participating learners, sponsored by Volkswagen.
Bridget Harper, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Head of Marketing, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "At Volkswagen, we are highly committed to empowering young female learners in South Africa. It’s been a privilege to witness firsthand the positive impact that VW Train 4 Life has had on these young women. It has been an honour to be a part of their journey, helping equip them with the tools, skills, and inspiration they need to dream big and realise their ambitions."
In addition, four outstanding learners were selected for the mentorship programme: Matsie Semela Happy from Madibane High School, Mooch Karabo Zinhle from Fons Luminus Secondary School, Keitumetse Mochadibane from DiepDale Secondary School, and Mpho Khuthpma from Fedilitas Secondary School. These exceptional young women will be mentored by well-known Sowetans Lerato Phago (SuperSport Football Broadcaster) and Xoli Zondo (5FM Sports presenter), who come from similar environments and circumstances as the girls in the programme. In addition to the mentorship, the learners will also participate in a soccer training programme with the University of Johannesburg’s 1st Team Ladies Soccer Team, providing them with both fitness
development and professional guidance.
Lerato Phago, speaking about her role in the programme, said, "I am so honoured to mentor these young girls through the VW Train 4 Life initiative. Growing up in similar environments, I understand how important it is for these girls to have someone believe in them and their dreams. This opportunity to guide them and help build their confidence is truly a privilege."
Desiree Ellis, the current South African National Women’s Team Coach, echoed these sentiments, adding, “For these girls to have access to a programme like VW Train 4 Life is fantastic. It not only helps them grow as soccer players but also empowers them as individuals with dreams and ambitions. It’s a rare opportunity, and I’m proud to see the difference it’s making in their lives.”
Harper added, "Volkswagen remains committed to empowering young girls in our communities. Through initiatives like VW Train 4 Life, we aim to inspire and foster personal growth by combining sports, education, and life skills. With the addition of the mentorship programme this year, we are thrilled to further assist talented young girls in achieving their dreams.”
