Kick start

Since 2009, Julian Goldswain has been working on an extended documentary project on football development in the townships east of Cape Town. Goldswain is documenting the work of three organisations, Futsal, The Ultimate Goal, and Freeway Football. These N.G.O's are equipping youths with vital life skills in football development training programmes, which are ultimately alleviating poverty through job creation. It is a story of young people's resilience in the face of harsh living conditions. The images focus on the symbol of hope that football has become for the youth of contemporary South African society.

These images reflect the positive spin-off that this global event is already having on Cape Town. This exhibition will provide a voice for these three organisations to show that they are indeed effecting sustainable, long term social change in this country. Goldswain's photographic exhibition will be an integral part of their effort to kick-start young people's lives and dreams post 2010.

Since 2009, Julian Goldswain has been working on an extended documentary project on football development in the townships east of Cape Town. It is currently a work in progress and will be realised in a photographic exhibition.

Goldswain is documenting the work of three organisations, Futsal, The Ultimate Goal, and Freeway Football. These N.G.O's are equipping youths with vital life skills in football development training programmes, which are ultimately alleviating poverty through job creation. It is a story of young people's resilience in the face of harsh living conditions. The images focus on the symbol of hope that football has become for the youth of contemporary South African society.

Futsal or "Indoor Soccer" is FIFA's approved 5-a-side game that is designed offer children a healthy alternative to township street life. It is recognized internationally as the 'youth development model'. Football helps build unity as disparate cultures interact with each other. Existing open spaces and facilities like netball or basketball courts can be used year round. It is South Africa's solution to lack adequate facilities. Courses for trainers and coaches are provided to help shape the future of school's football and youth development.

Futsal is part of the The Ultimate Goal, who aim to leave a legacy of sustainable charity programmers that will address certain social issues that can continue even beyond 2010. This includes orphanage visits, prison visits, and charitable fundraising.

Freeway Football is a development enterprise that makes the game of football, through the development of a football academy, a sustainable business. One key aspect is the development of facilities and skills for community professional coaches, managers, and youth footballers through professional footballers and coaches input. Secondly, through a creative enterprise project, community photographers are mentored and given training to run sustainable photographic businesses through the contribution of professional photographers. Ultimately, poverty will be alleviated through job creation.

Football is currently enjoying unprecedented media attention in South Africa. However, the current perception amongst South African citizens is that the 2010 World Cup has not been worth the financial investment.

This perception needs to be challenged. These images reflect the positive spin-off that this global event is already having on Cape Town. This exhibition will provide a voice for these three organisations to show that they are indeed effecting sustainable, long term social change in this country. Goldswain's photographic exhibition will be an integral part of their effort to kick-start young people's lives and dreams post 2010.