Mamelodi Sundowns unveil Soccer Schools in Midrand for Grassroots Football Growth

On Friday, 27 February 2026, Mamelodi Sundowns officially launched the Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools in Midrand, Johannesburg, in partnership with Global Soccer Schools International (GSSI). This landmark grassroots initiative is designed to serve more than 6,000 children aged 4 to 15 across South Africa and the United Kingdom, reflecting Sundowns’ commitment to “developing champions on and off the pitch,” a phrase often echoed on the club’s official platforms.

A Vision for Youth Development

The Soccer Schools program will provide structured coaching, mentorship, and holistic development opportunities for young players. According to Sundowns, the initiative is about more than just football — it is about instilling discipline, teamwork, and confidence, while creating pathways into the club’s junior academy. The project embodies the club’s philosophy of “The Sky is the Limit”, ensuring that every child has the chance to dream big and pursue excellence.

Key Figures at the Launch

The launch event was attended by high-ranking officials and football development leaders, including:

• Tlhopie Motsepe, Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, who emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots football to secure the future of the game.
• Paulo Cardoso, Head of Academy, who highlighted the alignment between the Soccer Schools and the club’s academy structures.
• Nick Aresti and Steph Aresti, founders of GSSI, who expressed their excitement about partnering with Sundowns to expand the reach of youth football development internationally.

Global Reach

While rooted in South Africa, the initiative extends internationally, with soccer schools also being established in Manchester, UK. This cross-continental approach reflects Sundowns’ ambition to grow its brand and influence beyond the PSL, while offering young players exposure to diverse football cultures.

Looking Ahead

The Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools are expected to become a cornerstone of the club’s long-term vision for youth development. By combining Sundowns’ academy expertise with GSSI’s international reach, the program will nurture talent from the earliest stages and inspire the next generation of footballers.