Category Archives: Soccer

Coastal Carolina University signs South African Tyrone Mondi

July 19, 2017 Published by: Cresi Heslop

July 2017

Conway, S.C. – Head Coach Shaun Docking of the 2016 Men’s Soccer Sun Belt Conference Champions Coastal Carolina University, has signed the final recruit of the 2017 signing class.

Tyrone Mondi will transfer to CCU from the University of Northwestern Ohio. The signing of Mondi closes what may well be one of the top recruiting classes in the history of the CCU men’s soccer program as the Chants look to build on last season’s Sun Belt title and second round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Mondi hails from Bloemfontein, South Africa and in 2016 was called to the U-20 South African National Team Training Camp. This summer the midfielder has spent his time with the NPSL League playing with the Detroit City FC. He has recorded two goals and seven assists so far.

Mondi served the 2016 season as a redshirt at Northwestern Ohio and will have four years of eligibility remaining with the Chanticleers.

The Chanticleers will report to training camp Tuesday, Aug. 8 to begin preparations for the upcoming 2017 season. CCU will begin the season with an exhibition match at North Carolina Sunday Aug. 13 and will open regular season action Friday, Aug. 25 at George Mason. Their first home match is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1 against UNC Greensboro at 7:30 p.m.

by CCU Mens Soccer

Frank Our Sons Proudly South African Soccer Sports

Catching up with footballer – Frank Heslop

June 1, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Frank Heslop, aged 19 is a young and brilliant footballer, ex-swimming champs medalist and dedicated academic and blogger, who is currently doing his B.Com Marketing degree – first year.

Frank has had an extremely challenging start to his football year this 2016 up to now. What I love about him is his positive attitude, his positive speech, and his deep faith and belief that he will be the great footballer that he has dreamed about since a little boy, despite what life throws at him!

In a previous interview he said “I have been playing soccer since I was about 7 years old and I have never looked back since. It started off small but as I grew older and got to know the game more, my desire to become a professional player grew. At the age of 14 I started at a soccer academy where I grew a lot as a player and in character”.

He says – “My aspirations are high and my dream is to be one of the best in the world, playing in the best leagues and representing my country in top competitions”.

When asked about his faith – he said “I am a born again Christian and believe GOD has great plans for my life. It might not be exactly how I plan it, but I know that it is big because I serve a Big GOD”.

Last week, on 21 May 2016, Frank Heslop and his team mates competed at the ultimate university soccer tournament of the year – the Campus Champions League. The battle for the cup was between TUKS, UJ, and WITS. This exciting event took place at Urban 5occer. Congratulation to all the winning team members, well done and brilliantly played and your victory on the soccer field is much deserved.

Urban 5occer is Pretoria’s first 5-a-side football facility. They aim to provide a much needed cutting edge 5-a-side facility and offer “one of the world’s fastest growing sports” to the residents of Pretoria. Their 4 pitches adhere to all specifications laid out by FIFA for 5-a-side football, be it safety, dimensions, drainage, surface or lighting.

All 4 pitches are flood-lit with football specific rebound walls which maximize the playing experience of the high paced game. All their pitches use an “all-weather” FIFA accredited synthetic turf and infill system and are the first 5-a-side pitches in South Africa to offer a two tone colouration much like the 11-a-side football pitches seen at most stadiums worldwide.

The clubhouse has recently undergone a complete revamp, which includes the installation of a contemporary sports bar, lounge area, casual dining facility and pool table. The change rooms and ablution facilities have been completely upgraded with the addition of a modernized locker system and shower facilities.

Find them at this address:

471 Grosvenor Road, Hatfield, Pretoria East Sarah: 084 099 4289 Will: 079 191 3858

Web:

http://www.urban5occer.co.za/urban5occer-home.html

Champs Report Back Home Netball Proudly South African Rugby SA Schools Champs Championships Soccer Sports Volley Ball

Gauteng Schools Champs crowned at Winter Games 2015

August 6, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

One of the highlights of being a blogger is when you get a surprise invitation to attend and cover an event that is filled with so much spirit, pride and excitement! I am talking about last weekend’s Gauteng Provincial School Championships for the sporting codes of Football, Netball, Volleyball and Rugby. These thrilling and oh so nerve wrecking play offs took place at Hoërskool Florida & Albion Sports Complex in Florida on the Westrand on 1 and 2 August 2015. Thank you Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation for inviting Heslop Sports. From start to finish all activities ran as a well oiled machine with team members helpful, friendly and well organized. Covering this special meet really just reminded us of the Heslop Sports mandate of celebrating our up-and-coming young athletes. This generation of determined young champions inspire our youth, their communities, and will ultimately make an impact on our nation. Viva young athletes!

“The School Games programme is held in a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation and the Gauteng Department of Education, which aim to revitalize school leagues, identify and develop talent and give players an opportunity to showcase their skills, as well as reward outstanding performance and achievements”.

Early morning Western Joburg stretched out an icy hand of welcome on one of its harshest freezing mornings ever, with the earth, wind, air, and frost showing no mercy towards the Young Athletes.

But the best of Gauteng’s sports young talent showed no signs of being deterred by the foul weather as they were all in their element as they shined, scored, cheered and danced for their teams in the hope and expectation of being crowned Provincial Champions, going on to represent Team Gauteng at the SA National School Champs in December 2015.

The participating School teams were from the Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng regions of Gauteng. They competed for the title of provincial champions in their respective age categories.

Winners in the 13 year old and 17 year old categories proceeds to the national level of school games champs in December 2015, with the high aim of defending Gauteng’s title as the reigning national champions for three consecutive years. What an honour for these young talented male and female players!

“Director of Sport and Recreation at the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation and, Mr Veli Mnyandu and Mr Edgar Mogadi, Deputy Director of Sport and Recreation South Africa, were amongst the officials on hand to witness the thrills and spills of the games and award certificates, medals and trophies to the participants”.

“I am highly impressed with the level of talent that Gauteng has produced, and I have the upmost confidence that these young athletes are our future spots stars and will keep Gauteng as the Home of Champions” said MEC for the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation, Ms Molebatsi Bopape.

Please FIND BELOW the list of winning school teams of the provincial school games. Teams who won gold medals in the 13 year old and 17 old categories in the four sporting codes will represent Gauteng at the National Schools Championships in December. WELL DONE! CONGRATULATIONS!

Also watch this space because schools are soon to begin competing in other sporting codes including chess, basketball, gymnastics, table tennis, swimming, hockey and cricket to complete the Gauteng Team for the national championships.

Winners List:

PRIMARY SCHOOLS
CODE	AGE	GOLD	SILVER	BRONZE
FOOTBALLPRIMARY	Boys11 Years	MAKOLA Jhb Central	FinetownJHB South	MatshidisoEkurhuleni South
	Girls11 Years	KGOMOCO Sedibeng East	Meetsi a bopheloTshwane South	Job MasekoGauteng East
	Boys13 Years	CHIEF LUTHULI Ekurhulni North	EmfuleniSedibeng West	MayibuyeJHB West
	Girls13 Years	THOPODI Gauteng East	IpolokengJHB North	BotlehadiTshwane West
VOLLEYBALLPRIMARY	Boys11 Years	TROYEVILLE Jhb East	LoratongTshwane North	PolokengSedibeng west
	Girls11 Years	TROYEVILLE Jhb East	RekopantseTshwane West	ZolaJHB central
	Boys13 Years	TROYVILLE Jhb East	SBSMJHB central	HlabelelaGauteng North
	Girls13 Years	CATHULA Ekurhuleni South	ThuthuzekaniGauteng West	Matsie-SteynSedibeng East
NETBALLPRIMARY	Girls 11 Years	WIERDAPARK Tshwane South	MenloparkTshwane South	RandhartEkurhuleni South
RUGBYPRIMARY	Boys13 Years	PIET van VUUREN Jhb North	Bula DigoraTshwane South	GoedehoopEkurhuleni South
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
FOOTBALLSECONDARY	Boys15 Years	BOPHELO JHB North	Rosina SeibaneTshwane South	EsokwaziSedibeng West
	Girls15 Years	DR. BW VILAKAZI JHB Central	Chipa TabaneGauten North	Winnie MandelaEkurhulni North
	Boys17 Years	ROSINA SEDIBANE Tshwane South	Seana MarenaJHB Central	Norkem ParkEkurhuleni North
	Girls17 Years	AURORA GIRLS JHB Central	Rosina SeibaneTshwane South	MohloliSedibeng East
VOLLEYBALLSECONDARY	Boys15 Years	SBSM JHB Central	Dominican ConventJHB East	MaxekeSedibeng West
	Girls15 Years	MAXEKE Sedibeng West	MidrandJHB East	LodirileGauteg West
	Boys17 Years	QUEENS JHB East	Beverly HillsSeeding West	TM LetlakeGauteng West
	Girls17 Years	FUMANA Ekurhuleni South	PoelanoSeibeng West	ThutoloreJHB West
NETBALLSECONDARY	Girls 14 Years	AFFIES Tshwane South	NoordheuwelGauteng west	DinamikaEkurhuleni South
NETBALLLSEN	Girls MMH19 Years	KRUGERLAAN Sedibeng East	RoodeparkJhb West	MagaliesskoolTshwane North
RUGBYSECONDARY	Boys17 Years	RHODESFIELD Ekurhuleni North	KliptownJhb South	LethabileTshwane South

Africa Home Interviews Proudly South African Soccer Sports

Fresh & Hungry: Michael Harrison

July 1, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Next up in our Fresh & Hungry Series is Footballer Michael Harrison, a brilliant Kaiser Chiefs Junior Team player. This young-and-up-coming champion of 16 years old is definitely one to watch out for! Michael, known as “Mikey” or “Harrison” to friends and coaches says this of his jersey numbers 8/10 – the numbers of Generals “engines of the game”. “At age five, Michael was fearless with speed that even shocked me… He only wanted to score goals….and boy he did!” says his mom – Nicole Harrison.

Michael and his Dad. “At age five, Michael was fearless with speed that even shocked me… He only wanted to score goals….and boy he did!” says his mom – Nicole Harrison.

On the field he is able to read the game incisively, while anticipating the movement of the opposition. He has the ability to orchestrate the flow of the game and create scoring opportunities for the strikers in his team. Off the field he is committed to everything he does, always pushing to finish a thing once he has started it. He says “It’s in my nature to go above and beyond my abilities to “think out the box””. He supports his friends and family and is committed to his academics to ensure above average grades and university entrance.

He believes that “Life is a beautiful journey and I understand that there are a variety of activities I need to be committed to such as: being committed to my spiritual life at church; supporting my community however I can.

INTERVIEW:

You are passionate about your footie, tell me a little bit about how you started in football and your football journey up to now?

My passion for football developed at an early age. I started playing football when I was 4 years of age. I used to play with kids older than me, at Robertsham Callies Football Club and I must say this contributed a lot towards the development of my skills in the sport. I then moved on to play school football and was selected to play at district levels, for Discovery, and then I played for Wits University Junior team. At the moment, I am playing for the Kaizer Chiefs Junior team.

What has been some of your highlights in football so far?

A wow moment for me was when I got called to feature with George Wear, on the African Cup of Nations advert, which was shot at Soccer City (FNB Stadium).

What club do you play for and how do you find it?

I play for Kaizer Chiefs. I find it both challenging and interesting as I get to learn new things every day, which are adding value and contributing immensely towards realising my dream. I really enjoy playing here.

What position do you play?

All-rounder, besides goal keeper. I perform where I am needed.

How do you manage to fit in both sports and academics into your schedule?

I ensure that I don’t lose focus in class, and I wake up in the early hours of the morning to study.

What do you do to relax?

Play PS, go out with friends and listening to music. I also love to go out on dates.

Which athlete/ athletes inspire you?

My coach, Arthur Zwane.

What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Never limit yourself, always reach for the best.

What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Academics and soccer; I have to always give my all towards both.

When you’ve had a tough / bad day, what lifts you up again?

My team mates that encourage me. We are always there for each other.

My team mates that encourage me. We are always there for each other.

I’m sure you have many things going on right now, what’s to be expected next from Michael Harrison?

To get into the professional football ranks in the near future.

Thank you so much Michael for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for the future and for your plans ahead. We look forward to following your exciting journey. Blessings!

Michael and his sister.

Michael and Soccer Legend Shaun Bartlett

Michael in the early days with his special cousin!

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Ready to roll

Just Michael

Biathle Faith Home Soccer Sports Swimming

Athletes pay tribute to their Dads

June 21, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

In celebration of Father’s Day, I have asked our young athletes to share what’s on their hearts about their dads. Their messages and words about their dads really touched my heart, and shows again the important role of a dad being a Father and Priest in the household. For us at Heslop Sports, we are grateful for our earthly dads and the powerful ways that they have shaped and influenced our lives. But above that, we are blessed and honoured to call Our Father in Heaven our one true Dad.

Ruan Breytenbach – Swimmer

My dad Henk Breytenbach

My dad never misses one of my galas no matter how big or small, he will always make sure he is there. My dad is one of my biggest supporters, sometimes I think he stresses just about as much as I do. He will always make sure to bring me my towel and take my clothes after every race, he will also stand by me while I do my cool down laps, I like that very much.

Thanks dad for always being there for me and helping me through thick and thin, you are an awesome dad to me.

Happy Father’s day Pappa

Ruan’s Dad – Henk “Thanks dad for always being there for me and helping me through thick and thin, you are an awesome dad to me”.

Ruan’s Dad and Mom – Henk & Chantelle

Chloe – Swimmer

My dad is the coolest Dad you could ever wish for. He takes me for drives in the Beetle, when Mom is not around. We go out and buy the meat together, for our family braais. Then my dad allows me to ‘man’ the braai while he is busy cooking something else. He helps me to build all my school projects; and packs me the best lunches for school. That’s why I believe in super heroes, because my Dad can do anything!

Chloe’s Dad – Clyde “My dad is the coolest Dad you could ever wish for”.

Frank Heslop – Footballer

My Father is a great inspiration in my life. He is my coach and mentor. He never fails when it comes to giving advice. He knows how to get me back on track and has the exact words for every situation. Watching him is where I learn hard work and discipline are some of the best gifts you can give and teach. I love my father.

Happy Father’s Day.

From Frank

Frank’s dad – Simon Watching him is where I learn hard work and discipline”.

Jonathan Heslop – Swimmer

Thank you dad for always being there for me. Thank you for encouraging me when times get tough, helping me with school work and sports too. Thank you for loving and caring for me. You are the one who makes it all happen.

Happy Father’s Day!

Jonathan’s dad – Simon “Thank you for encouraging me when times get tough, helping me with school work and sports too”.

Cayde de Waal – Biathlete

My dad has helped me so much with my running. He has helped me prepare for the South African Biathle Championships. My dad has spent a lot of his time just on me. He tells me when he knows I can push harder. My dad is always there for me when I need him most. He would look at my times and tell me that I could’ve run faster because my dad knows I can, because he believes in me. My dad is proud of me whether I come first or last because he knows what I am capable of.

Thank you dad! You’re awesome!

Happy Father’s Day!

Cayde’s dad – Jared “My dad is proud of me whether I come first or last because he knows what I am capable of”.

Jessica Jenkinson – Athletics

I love my daddy because he is my hero. He never minds playing with me and we always take long walks together and then we just talk. My daddy is very patient with me and never gets cross with me. He reads me stories at night and I know he will always be there for me! I can always rely on him to be here for me no matter how busy he is.

Thank you Daddy for always protecting me and our family. We look up to you and depend so much on you. You are the best daddy in the whole wide world.

I love you with all my heart.

Jessica’s Dad – Mark “You are the best daddy in the whole wide world”.

Jessica’s Dad – Mark

Rachel Stevenson – Swimmer

My dad. My hero.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me.” – Jim Valvano

I love my daddy dearly. He is my number one fan. There is nothing I enjoy more than bonding with him. Recently we rode our mountain bikes up Mike’s Pass in The Drakensberg, and halfway to the top, he told me I could achieve anything I set my mind on. His belief in me never wavers, and he keeps me strong. I admire his perseverance and his amazing sense of humour that never fails to make me laugh. He is the one who teases me, yet protects me. I know that after a long day, when I arrive home, he is there waiting for me and is always interested in what workout I did. He has made me who I am today, and I am forever grateful for his non-stop support and big bear hugs.

Rachel’s Dad – Colin “His belief in me never wavers, and he keeps me strong”.

“My dad my Hero” – Rachel’s dad – Colin

Rene Warnes – Swimmer

My dad and I have a very good relationship – yes obviously there has been ups and downs – but that hasn’t really changed the relationship that my dad and I have. He has been a great father and has given me more than I could ever ask for – he would quite literally move the world to be able to provide me with whatever I might need at a particular point in time. Even though I maintain that I won’t raise my children in the same, super conservative, super strict manner, but I do see a lot of myself in my dad and so there is a very high probability of me raising my children in a similar fashion.

He has definitely been a great role model for me and together with my mom has raised me to be the woman that I am today!

With regards to my swimming, he has always supported me and always pushed me to be better and to achieve better! He does expect a lot out of me but that does help me to be better and to reach for higher things and achieve my goals.

He has and will probably be my number one supporter until the day that I decide to throw in the towel but he will then continue to support me in whatever my next journey may be.

Rene’s dad – Ian “He has definitely been a great role model for me and together with my mom has raised me to be the woman that I am today!”

Michael Andrew – Swimmer

My dad is the best dad and coach in the world. He loves me unconditionally, he knows me, and he is always working on making me the best I can be in everything that I do (physically and spiritually). My dad really believes in me. I pray that one day I can put into action everything he teaches me. My dad from day one has never left my side. From the beginning he has encouraged me, taught me, pushed me, and supported me in my sport and more importantly outside of the water. We’ve had our disagreements over time, but he has never given up on me and for that I am so grateful.

Love you dad and I thank God for you!!!

Michael’s Dad – Peter

Michael with dad in the beautiful Drakensberg

Michael and dad Peter “My dad really believes in me. I pray that one day I can put into action everything he teaches me”.

Biathle Frank Home Interviews Jonathan Our Sons Proudly South African Soccer Sports Swimming

Youth Sports Blog South Africa – 6 Month Milestone

May 30, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

With this post we want to celebrate our 6 month milestone (bornday officially 3 December 2014). We want to say thank you to the wonderful YOUTH SPORTS COMMUNITY comprising of each athlete, parent, coach, friendie, supporter, liker, sharer, commenter, and follower of Heslop Sports!

With the hectic rush of life – we do not make enough time to celebrate the little things. We let them run buy un-noticed. Hitting the pause button, in the spirit of gratefulness and celebration is indeed a necessary ritual needed for consistent progress.

Heslop Sports

This is exactly what I want to do with this post.

FIRSTLY – A SHOUT-OUT TO ANY ATHLETE, PARENT OF AN ATHLETE, COACH, ETC, WE WOULD BE HONOURED TO FEATURE YOU ON THE BLOG. Please make contact with us: howzit@heslopsports.co.za

Secondly I want to remind myself of the touchstone and vision for this Youth Sports Blog:

Heslop Sports is a vibrant, real time Youth Sports Blog aimed specifically at UP-AND-COMING YOUNG ATHLETES within various sports disciplines. The aim is to:

Give a voice to young athletes.
Publish the stories, aspirations, plans, progress, footage, images of up-and-coming young athletes.
Gather and share motivational material for young athletes.
Connect young athletes to each other.
Promote young athletes.
Celebrate and honour young athletes.
Encourage parents and coaches of young athletes to share their experiences in the sports arena.

Ultimately to create a valuable hub of the above information that can be used by athletes, coaches, parents, schools, scouts, sponsors, teams, communities and anybody with a keen interest in YOUTH SPORTS. Let’s remember “not to despise the days of small beginnings”.

We are super excited to be following the progress, plans and exciting journey of the following young athletes, partners and coaches etc. Watch this space for many more athletes who will soon join this Youth Sports Community.

Cayde de Waal (Biathlete)

Cayde

Chloe Preston (Swimmer)

Chloe

Hendrik van der Merwe (Coach)

Hendrik

Frank Heslop (Footballer)

Frank

Jonathan Heslop (Swimmer)

Jonathan

Karin Prinsloo (Olympic Swimmer)

Karin

Ruan Breytenbach (Swimmer)

Ruan

Zander Landman (Swimmer)

Zander

Academics Africa Build me a son Faith Frank Home Interviews Our Sons Proudly South African Sharks Soccer Sports

Fresh & Hungry: Frank Heslop

May 9, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Introduction

I have decided to do a series of interviews with our young athletes called “Fresh & hungry”. These interviews will feature the “older” young athletes. I will be asking a few more in depth questions compared to the questions asked to the younger athletes in the “Meet the Young Athletes” series. The Fresh & hungry questions will hopefully give some insight into the minds of these young athletes and maybe even reveal a few secrets for us to learn from.

First up in our Fresh & Hungry Series, I speak to Frank Heslop born 26 March 1996, up-and-coming young footballer, ex-swimming champs medallist and dedicated academic, blogger, who currently attends the Sharks Soccer Academy in Durban. He is a Cambridge University matric graduate – class of 2013, currently first year Varsity College student, studying B.Com and Jesus follower.

Read on to see what stirs this young man and what his plans hold for the future……

Interview:

So Frank, you just turned 18, how does that make you feel?

I am not going to lie, I am starting to feel quite old and that time is slowly running away.

You are passionate about your football, tell me a little bit about your football journey up to now.

It has been an amazing journey, from starting out in football and developing a passion for the game. I started out playing club football and then I realised that I want a career in football so I joined an academy and I am still in an academy, so thus far I am living the dream as many people would love to have the opportunity that I have. Football has allowed me to travel in the past, I will always treasure my trip to Brazil a few years back, and hopefully it will allow me to travel in the future.

You matriculated at the age of 16, how did that make you feel and how did it affect your football?

At that stage the midnight oil was my best buddy! Finishing school early allowed me to focus on my football and take my time with important decisions to make sure that the decisions I make were the best decisions possible.

What are you currently pursuing or what isn’t happening yet that you’re interested in making happen?

I told you, I am feeling quite old now at 18 so I feel it is time for me to break into some professional teams and move on to bigger things such as playing oversees.

Beside your football, what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for human performance, I want to know what allows people’s bodies to perform the way it does. I am also always trying to figure out how people become or have become good at what they do, I do not fully believe in natural talent. I believe that is either their environment or their hard work that allows them to become so good.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

My father always says “You have to see yourself there (Overseas)”. My Grandfather says “Never give up”. I love this because this is what will determine whether I make it in football or not. Whether I go through ups or downs these two words of advice will determine if I succeed.

How do you currently manage to balance all the things in your life?

You will hear it all the time and it is no secret “Hard Work and Determination”. If I do not work hard I will not make it.

You have been living away from home since the age of 14 – what life lessons have you learned in this regard?

Firstly I have realised how much I need my family. They are the reason I am where I am. They are my motivation. Secondly life is not fair and if you lack even the slightest bit of confidence you will not succeed. Being away has really helped me put my trust in Jesus to deliver me from all circumstances, and trust me He has come through.

Family time

Fun with my baby-bro!

I see you often post stuff from Eric Thomas – “the hip hop preacher”, do you feel influenced by his life story?

Yeah because he has failed for so long and has never given up. It took him 12 years to get a 4 year degree, so he understands what it feels like to persevere. Many people would not even last 2 years yet he lasted 12. That is not even his full testimony. I love that he uses his testimony to change people’s lives. I love that he stands strong in his faith in Jesus.

Do you think that sports can be a ministry tool by which the lost can be reached?

Yes I do. I believe that sports is a platform to reach out to the lost and preach the Gospel. The whole world watches sports and many people look up to sportsmen and women so therefore they can make an impact on souls.

Tell me one thing about Frank David Heslop that the world does not know?

I enjoy eating bunny chows an Indian dishes.

Down time!

I’m sure you have many things going on right now, what’s to be expected next from Frank Heslop?

I am looking forward to the future, I am seeing some huge things happening and I believe that the right doors will open up. I have huge dreams and I believe soon I will be living out these dreams.

Thank you Frank for speaking to me in this interview. I wish you all the very best blessings for your academic and sports endeavours, and would love to follow your progress and plans for the future.

Blog Posts Written by Frank here:

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/the-love-language-of-sports/

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/opportunities-by-frank-heslop/

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/for-the-love-of-the-game/

Frank in action:

Check out Frank’s Skills on You Tube here

Sea Vacations are the best!

Never found without my footie

Training Time at Sharks

I am looking forward to the future, I am seeing some huge things happening and I believe that the right doors will open up. I have huge dreams and I believe soon I will be living out these dreams. Frank

Home Soccer Sports

Sports Birthdays: Ronaldinho

March 20, 2015 Published by: Cresi Heslop

by Cresi Heslop

This is the first in a new series called “Sports Birthdays”. The aim is to give a glimpse into the youth days of various athletes. It is fascinating to see what the world’s top athletes were like as young men and women growing up. A special note to our young athletes reading this: just remember that they were nothing different to you, dreaming, believing and working hard to someday reach high goals, make an impact and leave a good legacy!

Name and Sport

Ronaldinho Gaucho, Brazilian international footballer. Full name Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. Ronaldinho being the diminutive for Ronaldo.

Birthdate

21^st March 1980

As a young Athlete

Ronaldinho grew up in a working class district in Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. He was the youngest of three children. His father, an amateur dedicated footballer, who worked in the shipyards, was set on training his sons in football from small, and soon recognized their talent. Ronaldinho was given a football for his first birthday, and was almost never seen without a ball after that!

Both Ronaldinho and his older brother played for youth football clubs. The young Ronaldinho of 8 and his family suffered a tragic loss when his father died of a heart attack. However, I believe that his father’s prophetic words over him from the time that he was but a toddler, saying that Ronandinho would be the best in the world deeply impacted Ronaldiho’s determination and journey to the top. When Ronaldinho was 13 he scored a ridiculous 23 goals in a 23-0 match. As a young boy he spent many long hours studying and practicing the moves and strategies of the greats of football in Brazil like Pelé , Ronaldo and Revelino. The young Ronaldinho was no stranger to hardship and had to contend with dusty, grassless soccer pitches and makeshift balls, but this did not stop the burning passion within him to keep playing football.

He had a celebrated youth career which included the call up in 1997 to the under 17 National Team which won the FIFA under 17 World Championship in Egypt. He went on to play for the Brazilian National Football Team and various world class football clubs.

Famous for

Renowned for his “samba with a football”, for his technique, tricks, dribbling, overhead kicks, no-look passes and free kicks, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the best players who deeply impacted his generation. He is often mentioned in the same breath as Pelé – one of the greatest ever Brazilian and world footballers. A characteristic about Ronaldinho that grips the attention of all around him is that abundant joy, that ever smiling face. One who plays The Beautiful Game “Jogo Bonito” – for the love of the game! This I think this type of attitude makes all the difference between success and failure.

Playing position

Attacking midfielder / Forward

Famous quote by Ronaldinho

Football is about joy. It’s about dribbling. I favour every idea that makes the game beautiful. Every good idea has to last.

Ronaldinho. It is fascinating to see what the world’s top athletes were like as young men and women growing up. Young athletes remember this: they were nothing different to you, dreaming, believing and working hard to someday reach high goals, make an impact and leave a good legacy!

Image courtesy of:

Reto Stauffer, www.hopp-schwiiz.ch (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldinho

http://biography.com/people/Ronaldinho-16636081

Frank Home Soccer Sports

The Love Language of Sports

February 7, 2015 Published by: Frank

THE LOVE LANGUAGE OF SPORTS – by Frank David Heslop

As you know, this month’s theme is love, because of Valentine’s Day. So what I want to write about is love, but not the love that you are thinking about right now. Not the romantic kind of love between a boy and a girl, but rather the kind of love that I experience playing the beautiful game. Now if you have been reading my previous essays you might have read the essay, “For the Love of the Game”. Today’s essay is a little different.

I remember watching a soccer game before the world cup that took place last year in Brazil and the guy commentating on the game said something like this, “There is something spiritual about soccer in Brazil” and I kind of knew exactly what he meant because I had been to Brazil before and experienced it myself.

I don’t know about you but sometimes I love to make other people smile and that is exactly what I saw in abundance during my trip to Brazil. I saw how the game put a smile on the face of the people of Brazil. How all kinds of kids came together, young and old and just played with such abundant joy. I saw how their faces lit up when they saw a ball, it was just amazing to experience that in real life.

I loved how all the different diversities of people came together because of the game. I loved how they made a plan to play the game in unlikely places, they played in the smallest of spaces and with whatever they could find, whether it was a can or a cramped up piece of paper, it did not even have to be the right shape.

I loved the “connect factor” that the game had, the same way that love brings people together. You did not have to be the right age, height, sex or race. You did not even need to be good at this game. We were in a foreign country but we could speak the only language we needed to speak in order for us to be part of the Brazilian culture, and that was the language spoken with our feet and any circular object we could find.

I am now on the lookout in my own beautiful country for the same opportunities. I want to bring people together and I want to see the love and interactions that football brings in this country.

I believe that sport in general is a privilege and that God created it specifically for these reasons. I believe it’s an honour to be playing sports and to be given the opportunity to make it a profession.

Image courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Build me a son Frank Home Our Sons Proudly South African Sharks Soccer Sports

For The Love Of The Game

January 11, 2015 Published by: Frank

For The Love Of The Game by Frank David Heslop

Check out Frank’s Skills on You Tube here

I thought quite hard on how I should start off and what I should write about in my first essay and then it hit me. I thought let me start with how I started off in sport.

I remember as a child why I used to play the beautiful game. It was never about achieving anything great in the beginning, yet I trained so damn hard as if I was trying to achieve something though. On the journey of becoming a sportsman (high school years), I started on a high note but then I suddenly reached a tough patch. I have had some tough fighting, situations that I could not see myself overcoming. The thought of giving up would sometimes find its way into my thoughts, but I always had great people in my life to keep me going.

I would fall down and pick myself up again and again, with the help of my great family. Yet one thing I did not learn was to overcome the disappointment and anger of falling. Falling is the best way to learn and develop. However one needs to learn to fall without hurting oneself so badly that it takes too long to recover. This was the biggest problem with me at the time: that when I fell it would take something valuable away from me and I would either not recover properly or take too long to recover.

So to get back to the point of why I used to play the beautiful game as a child. It was because I loved playing it. I had no one telling me that I should give up because I am not good enough and even if I did I would not even care because I was playing the game for the right reason, because I loved it. I did not care about the coach’s or anyone’s opinion, I just wanted to play because it brought me joy. I could spend hours outside or in the yard kicking the ball around because of the love I had for the game.

Now whenever you in a tough patch in your sports career, remember why you started playing the sport in the first place and try to play it exactly the same way that you did as a child, with joy and happiness. Then when you fall, you will fall with joy and even though you might get hurt falling you will always be able to get back up. Picture a baby trying to transition from crawling to walking, they will fall a thousand times, sometimes they laugh and sometimes they cry but they will always fall just hard enough to pick themselves back up again.

My final words are the most important of all from 1 John 4:7-8. It says; “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love”. At the end of this scripture it says that “God is love” meaning that if you play with love and for love, you are playing with God and for God because He is love and He has created love. So that feeling you get whenever you feel as if you enjoying the sport or game so much that you say you love it, that is God right by you guiding you because you are playing with Him by your side.

Frank Heslop

Frank training at the Sharks

Frank in action for the Sharks

http://youtu.be/qY4L_fOppos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Evi9y74A0s

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