Delron Buckley spearheads Arminia Bielefeld's mission for youth empowerment in South Africa
The celebrated German football club Arminia Bielefeld will bring a delegation to Johannesburg to embark on a mission of youth empowerment in South Africa and international partnerships.
At the forefront of the delegation will be former Bafana Bafana left-wing Delron Buckley, who spent two seasons at Arminia Bielefeld before being signed by rivals Borussia Dortmund. Arminia has had strong ties with other Bafana Bafana players such as Rowen Fernández, Sibusiso Zuma, and Siyabonga Nkosi over the years.
The agenda for the trip, which starts on Monday and continues until Thursday, includes an array of community-focused activities, signalling a commitment beyond mere sport.
A scheduled training session at the Bolobathaba Academy will see local youth engage with Arminia staff, bringing together valuable practices from Europe and South Africa. The academy, known for its dedication to the development of young athletes, is perfectly positioned to fulfil the club's objectives.
Included in the delegation areArminia Bielefeld managing director Christoph Wortmann, alongside Nico Luft, director of sales. Wortmann said the initiative is not just about football; it strives to deepen youth development, foster educational endeavours, and create substantial international partnerships.
Arminia Bielefeld will work closely with club ambassador Buckley, whose influence and connection to both communities serve as the impetus for this collaborative effort.
Furthering the investment in youth education, the visit features a coaching workshop dedicated to grassroots and youth coaches, focusing on modern player development strategies. It will enhance the coaching skills of local leaders and promote sustainable practices within their communities.
Additionally, the delegation plans to host an after-work networking event where members of Johannesburg's business community, NGOs, and sports organisations can engage in dialogue. This collaboration aims to forge new economic opportunities and nurture relationships that may yield future sponsorship and investment prospects.
Wortmann highlighted Buckley's vital role in connecting South African youth with European expertise: 'Delron Buckley embodies the connection between South Africa and Arminia Bielefeld like no one else. We're proud to work with him on initiatives that go far beyond football – by empowering young people, supporting education, and building lasting bridges between continents.'
As one of Germany's most esteemed football institutions, Arminia Bielefeld, founded in 1905, has always directed its efforts towards a broad spectrum of social and international initiatives. The club remains dedicated to promoting education, inclusion, and cross-border cooperation through sport, exemplifying how the game can be a catalyst for change.
This summer, Arminia Bielefeld is not just kicking off community initiatives in South Africa; they're sowing the seeds for a brighter future in youth football and education.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
15 minutes ago
- IOL News
South African teen sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius hits century on Test debut
Lhuan-dre Pretorius has arrived Lhuan-dre Pretorius, seen here in action for the Titans, scored a century on his Test debut for the Proteas in Bulawayo on Saturday. Photo: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix Lhuan-dre Pretorius became the youngest South African to hit a Test century when he reached the mark on debut on the first day of the first Test against Zimbabwe on Saturday. The solidly-built left-hander, aged 19 years and 93 days, batted fearlessly after arriving at the crease with his team in trouble at 23 for three at Queens Sports Club. Pretorius hit a six off the fourth ball he faced, from left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, then smiled broadly at batting partner Wiaan Mulder.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Ramaphosa and Trump to discuss trade relations at G7 Summit
Mashudu Sadike | Published 2 weeks ago President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada this weekend. The meeting will focus on key issues, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and US-SA tariffs. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump comes after South Africa submitted a revised framework proposal to the US, aiming to expand trade and investment relations between the two countries. The US imposed tariffs on South African imports in April, with a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs of 30% against South African exports. The tariffs were part of a broader set of 'liberation day' tariffs imposed by Trump on all US trading partners. However, they were later reduced to a base rate of 10%, with the expectation that countries would use the 90 days to propose solutions addressing the US's trade deficit concerns. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump will be his second in about three weeks, following their tense encounter at the White House last month. During their previous meeting, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of the US's role in the G20 Summit and invited Trump to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year. Trump agreed to attend, and Ramaphosa sees this as a positive development for bilateral relations. According to sources close to Ramaphosa, the meeting agenda will include discussions on AGOA, providing duty-free access to the US market for some African products. The agreement is set to expire in September, and South Africa is eager to see it renewed. Ramaphosa will also raise concerns about US-SA tariffs, urging the US not to increase them beyond the current 10% if negotiations on a new trade framework are not concluded by July 9. The sources further said the meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump was significant, given the current state of US-SA trade relations. 'The business sector has expressed concerns about the rise of tariffs, and Ramaphosa is under pressure to come up with answers. A successful meeting could help to ease tensions and pave the way for improved trade relations between the two countries,' the source added. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions as to what to expect at the upcoming meeting. However, Ramaphosa, while speaking to journalists on Tuesday after he announced the date for the National Dialogue on various issues affecting the country, confirmed that he would be meeting Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ramaphosa said he was invited by Carney, who holds the presidency of the G7, and would also use the opportunity to talk about the G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa in November, where Trump will take over the presidency. 'We're going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to achieve in November when the leaders' summit takes place here (in Johannesburg),' he said. Last month, Ramaphosa and his delegation included Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. His goals for that meeting included resetting US-SA relations and beginning serious engagement with the US on trade and investment. He emphasised that South Africa did not 'go kowtowing' to the White House but rather took the initiative to engage with the US. 'For us, it's important for us as a nation to reposition ourselves in the very turbulent geopolitical architecture or situation that we have,' Ramaphosa said at the time. Cape Times
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Prince Harry attends New York Summit, urges purpose over duty
Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the NEXUS Global Summit in New York City on 27 June. The Duke of Sussex, now 40, addressed a room full of young philanthropists and impact investors. His message was simple but powerful: move from duty to purpose. Harry spoke candidly about his journey. 'I was born into a life of service. At first, it felt like something I had to do. Now, it's something I want to do,' he told the audience. He encouraged others to find their reasons for serving, not just to follow expectations, according to People . Harry highlighted the work of the Archewell Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Meghan Markle. 'Our mission is rooted in compassionate leadership,' he explained. 'It's about committing to something greater than ourselves.' The foundation's motto is clear: 'Show Up, Do Good.' He urged the audience to think about their legacies. 'Ask yourself what you want to leave behind. Align your actions and investments with that vision,' he said. Harry challenged the crowd to use their platforms for good. 'We need to care for each other and our children's future. Let's tackle the systems, not just the symptoms, that hold us back,' he said. The summit, which runs from 26 to 28 June, brings together 350 of the world's top young changemakers. Topics include mental health, technology for good, climate change, and impact investing. Many of these issues are close to Harry's heart. South Africa faces many challenges that Harry addressed. Issues like mental health, youth unemployment, and inequality are pressing here too. Prince Harry's message of moving from duty to purpose resonates with many, especially the younger generation. His call to 'tackle the systems' is particularly relevant. In South Africa, systemic issues often keep people from reaching their potential. Harry's words offer hope and direction. Prince Harry's wife, Meghan, also recently spoke at the TIME100 Summit in New York. She shared, 'I'm the happiest I've ever been. To have a partner and husband who is so supportive, and healthy kids who are so joyful. I never would have imagined at this point I would feel so happy and grateful, and I do.' Harry and Meghan now live in California with their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Their foundation, Archewell, continues to support projects around the world, including in Africa. Prince Harry's appearance in New York was unannounced, but his message was clear and timely. His story is a reminder that service can be a choice, not just a duty. Purpose can drive real change, both at home and abroad. WHAT DOES 'MOVING FROM DUTY TO PURPOSE' MEAN TO YOU? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
