Conceptualised and managed by specialist below-the-line agency, 34Sport on behalf of Powerade, 200 registered amateur football clubs in the nine host cities were invited last year to take part in the Powerade Ball Crew selection Programme, which took place between February and April 2010. Throughout the process, local communities have had the opportunity to nail their colours to the mast, as they, along with the players continued to hydrate themselves with Powerade while collecting Powerade Crew Credits in the process.
After receiving an overwhelming response, the selection panel finalised the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Powerade Ball Crew members in May. The finalised Powerade Ball Crew, which comprises a great mix of clubs and schools from all host cities, will have the task of retrieving the ball and giving it back to players during the FIFA World Cup™ matches.
Grant Hillary, 34Sport Managing Director
Says 34Sport Managing Director, Grant Hillary, "Powerade has a legacy of supporting local soccer in South Africa, and it is therefore fitting that as part of its' investment in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the Brand introduced a unique platform that not only sees young soccer players participating in this historic Game, but provides an incentive to clubs and communities to get behind local soccer clubs and win numerous prizes that benefit the club, the players, the coaches and ultimately, the fans who enjoy playing and watching the sport in their community."
The amateur clubs and schools that are providing the Powerade Ball Crew will also be rewarded with an unforgettable experience, as well as the opportunity for two of the club committee members of each selected team to accompany the Powerade Ball Crew as Chaperones.
Bafana Bafana legend Andre Leander Arendse, understands the importance of proper hydration in football and has endorsed the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Powerade Ball Crew programme by providing expert advice throughout the campaign. The legendary, Supersport, Sundowns, Santos and Fullham goalkeeper will be visiting some of the selected amateur teams and offering great advice on football matters.
The chosen teams will also have access to on-line accredited soccer coaching courtesy of Powerade Sports Drink. This will ensure that the players the best mentoring whilst their coaches get upgraded professionally.
"Through the Powerade Ball Crew Programme, Powerade has been able to engage directly with over 200 South Africa Football Association (SAFA) registered soccer clubs, which in turn, represents up to 50,000 players and over 1,600 amateur coaches in total. In addition to supporting soccer players of the future, the Powerade Ball Crew Programme aims to provide the thousands of coaches that have participated in the programme with access to online coaching skills, ultimately improving the development of football at junior levels across South Africa," concludes Hillary.
Over 25 million 500ml bottles of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Powerade bottles were produced to coincide with the Powerade Ball Crew Programme.
