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 Transnet Foundation is constantly searching for innovative ways in which to ensure that its social responsibility programmes fit with the needs of South African communities. In 1994 we observed the lack of a dedicated institution that will harness the abundance of football talent amongst youth from across the country. This is how the Football School of Excellence came into being – a commitment on the part of Transnet to make a difference, as well as an abundance of football talent and enthusiasm amongst the South African youth. We brought these two together, and today we are still not looking back. 
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| Physical and mental strength for a healthy lifestyle. |
120 Boys from across South Africa live in residence at the school, and attend curriculum based tuition from grade eight to grade twelve. In addition they receive coaching in football to groom their talent towards a professional career in football.
This School is a unique model for delivering social responsibility. Here we have a sport incubator that seeks talent and then nurtures it to grow in a holistic and productive manner. To us at Transnet Foundation, the School can not be an educational institution like any other; it has to set itself apart in that its mission is to prepare youngsters to be professional football players. Although football is their first love, the Foundation insists that the growth of the learners at the School should encompass a broad range of lifeskills that will benefit them as individuals, both on and off the sports field.
The mission of this unique establishment is to:
- Identify and develop above average soccer talent and potential amongst school going boys.
- Provide them with academic, as well as holistic life skills education.
- In an environment that is conducive for both football and academic excellence.
- Equip them towards a sustainable professional career in football.
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| Inter-provincial rural and farm schools sport tournaments. |
The School must ensure that the boys have the necessary grounding in football, that they are emotionally prepared for the demanding lifestyles of being a football player in South Africa and anywhere in the world, and most importantly, it must also ensure that the learners have been given the insight into the fickle nature of their trade and are able to, even with the current stars in their eyes, see productive lives for themselves beyond football. We pride ourselves in adopting such a broad approach to our School, and pride ourselves even more with the success of this approach.
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