One can only imagine what the former Banyana Banyana player Astria Boks can still achieve with more support and financial backing.
Because what the 30-year-old striker, who’s the top-scorer at Stellenbosch FC has conjured up – all by herself – to empower young and up-and coming female footballers, is admirable and must be supported in any way or fashion.
Boks, who runs her A-Plus Fitness and Coaching program, hosted her very first football session with the aim of empowering players and enriching lives, at the Hellenic FC Clubhouse in Milnerton on Sunday.
The workshop attended by 15 girls and ladies ranging from as young as 10 years old, was brought about to give female players a glimpse of what it is like to be put through their paces from a holistic and professional point of view.
She was assisted by life-long friend and Stellenbosch FC teammate Dione Louw who has ensured that things in the background run smoothly.
Boks also roped in the specialists in their various fields like Allan Stoffberg who touched on Sport psychology, followed by Stefan Kearns (Biokineticist) who spoke about the importance of recovery, while Chandre Pinto, a qualified Physio and Medic, ensured that no one was cramped up while Jade Erasmus, a qualified massage therapist, was also on standby.
This was just basically to give the female ballers a glimpse of what it is like to be a pro footballer – not just the physical attributes but the “other side” of football which included aspects such psychology, dietician and holistic make-up, and wellness of a footballer.
“I could also not stress enough the importance of education and I needed to drive that point home,” Boks told No Bones with Jones. “Let’s be honest, not everyone is going to make it. In fact the odds are stacked against aspiring female footballers for more reasons than one. So, whatever education and information I can disseminate could be of great significance further on in their careers.”
One of the youngest participants, 10-year-old Chelsea Witbooi says the workshop has opened her eyes. “The training for me was a bit more intense and not what I am usually exposed to,” Witbooi told our website. “But I think it is good to come out of your comfort zone and test yourself,” she added.
Another attendee Deonique Veltman added that she learned a lot in the short space and cannot wait for the next edition.
Meanwhile, Boks stated that her big vision is to sustain the project in order to help stop female footballers from falling by the wayside:
“That’s why it is so important to continue with the project as we cannot afford to lose our female footballers to the evils of society you know,” Boks explained. “I think the next big step is also to secure a fixed venue to train people and to focus on personal training for young and old. Health and Fitness should be a lifestyle. So hopefully next time we’ll get some nice sponsors on board with us. So, this will definitely not be the last,” Boks concluded.
