While on her way home one afternoon Merril Heyns, of Primrose, noticed a group of youngsters practising soccer on the small piece of pavement adjacent to Ho\u00ebrskool Primrose High School, in Rietfontein Road.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey had one ball between them and very little else, but seemed so keen to play.<\/p>
\u201cI found out that they go by the name of Rolling Tigers,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
She stopped to find out more about the young players and found out that the 22 boys are coached by a local football player, who volunteers his time to train the team.<\/p>
\u201cThe players had very little in the way of footballs or uniforms, but still they passionately train whenever they are able,\u201d Merril said.<\/p>\n
Merril decided that she was going to do what she could to help these youngsters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe live in a time with so little tolerance towards others and where so many have so much and so many have nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese little guys deserve something to brighten their lives,\u201d she said passionately.<\/p>\n
She approached the Primrose CPF Flowers, of which she is a member, and with the help of Emilia Duarte-Potgieter, Stephanie Correia and Moira Dunkerley they were able to purchase shirts and three footballs that they donated to the team last Friday.<\/p>\n
In addition Oneida Cooper donated some delicious Easter eggs to the team, so that the children would have an Easter treat to enjoy during practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never seen such joy,\u201d said Merril, when she spoke about the handover.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey screamed and clapped and sang with delight and every one of them said thank you for what had been given to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Rolling Tigers have since moved to the new open space in Lobelia Road for training and can be seen hard at work, whenever the weather permits it.<\/p>\n
If community members would like to assist with further donations, they can contact Merril on 073 567 4367.<\/p>\n
Other articles you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n CPF Flowers help bring change<\/a><\/p>\n