Parents and coaches be warned – rotten apples will not be tolerated and will be dealt with at this year’s Spar Rygate LFA Cubs exclusively sponsored by the Mookrey Group.
It is a fact that since the retailer came on board, the Cubs Festival has been elevated to the biggest junior football festival on the African continent – if not the world.
The 13th edition takes place at the Johnson Road sportfield in Rylands from 24 to 28 September.
Needless to say, when it comes to the organisational aspect of the tournament, then very little criticism can be thrown at Abdul Tajoodien as his A-Team under the guidance of the Rygate stalwart Dawood Johannes.
However, there is one aspect that Tajoodien and co has very little control over – and that is the behaviour of the parents and coaches that in a civilised and ideal world should set an example for the children.
Hence, Tajoodien and his committee has come up with an experiment in an attempt to eradicate the unsportsman behaviour and the win-at-all-cost mentality.
“We’ll put you in our time-out zone if you misbehave,” Tajoodien explained to No Bones with Jones.
“Even if it means that we have to use 10 of our 100 security personnel to contain you, then so be it. We want an event where the kids must do the talking on the field – not the parents.”
That said, Tajoodien pleaded to coaches and parents to ensure that their little one remains the first priority.
“We as the LOC have an operation centre and we are clearly identifiable,” the Rygate boss added.
“If you have concerns, raise them with us as the LOC. We in turn will take it up with the match officials.
“Parents must remember this is development if you look at the age categories which are under -6, -8 and -10.
“Bear in mind this is also a development platform for our referees and please respect them at all times. Yes, we accept and agree there might be flaws in the system, but at the end of the day they are also human. Let it not come from the coaches and parents, please,” Tajoodien concluded.
With 210 teams consisting of 2300 (junior) players it serves as breeding ground for development, but most importantly for the kids to have fun and to build and form relationships. There will be a feeding scheme throughout the duration of the event to ensure kids have a meal.
With the emphasis on fun and enjoyment for kids it is imperative that clubs and coaches allow every single player in their squad to have game time – and not repeat what happened last year where a 8-year-old junior was left on the bench for the whole tournament.
