I’ve been in the Ubuntu program for a few weeks now, and I love every minute of it. It’s absolutely great to be part of such a great movement and being able to make a change. The fields are always packed with kids who all share their passion for football and play with so much joy. The activities that the club offers give them the chance to fulfil their dreams, and provide them with a more positive outlook on life. For me, it’s a great feeling to be part of such a great cause, especially when you see where the children are coming from. Right now, I’m helping with various side issues involved in managing the club. Besides that, I’m working on some exciting fundraising programs so HBUFC can continue with its current plans and possibly expand in the future.
Cisko Heineke
For me as a member of the first team squad and assistant coach for two of the youth teams it was interesting to see the differences between German and South African football and compare them with regards to technic, physics, psyche, coordination and condition. I really enjoyed talking with the players about football and showing them their main areas to work on, which were primarily their tactics and team spirit. The people in Hout Bay were always welcoming and warm-heartedly, so that I felt to be part of the community from day one.
Benedikt Pytlik
Within this contrasty microcosm of South Africa it is impressive to see the community that is being created through football and the much more comprehensive impact of the HBUFC. The welcoming vibe is outstanding, within a very short period of time you’ll get in contact with a huge multicultural network and will see the impact of your input straight away. As an athletics coach I watched the players of the U14 up to the Elite Team improving on their endurance, strength, speed and coordination during my 7-week stay and took responsibility in raising funds, shooting a new promotional video, setting up a fan shop and many other tasks. Besides working for the HBUFC, there’s much do to in Cape Town and the area of Hout Bay (e.g. multiple hikes, surfing, or just a relaxed evening at the beach to watch the sunset), so make sure your stay isn’t too short to get the full experience.
Lena Heidtmann
My name is Nico, born in Italy and raised in Germany. I am a lifelong believer that the power of sport can educate and change people’s lives.
Cape Town got me instantly. Although I didn’t plan to stay for long, it turned out to be 1,5 years! Joining the first team for home and away games gave me so much confidence and a feeling of being part of a great project. From week to week I got the opportunity to get more involved.
Today, with a strong team behind the scenes and an entire community supporting us, we are fighting to go all the way up to the Premier Division. Imagine how amazing this would be with only local players and how amazing would it be if you can be part of this incredible project?
I fell in love with the holistic approach of HBUFC and how it has an impact on the community. It made my decision to stay here much easier. I am always looking to make a difference. Whatever your skill set, I promise you can make a difference too! Or even if it is just wanderlust that brings you to Cape Town, you will not be disappointed with this incredible place.
HBUFC changed me and with me, HBUFC changed.
Nico Manduzio
Seeing the real impact of social work was one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced. I volunteered at the HBUFC as a fitness and junior coach as well as in the sector of online marketing and it was amazing. I saw the players succeed, the children improving and most importantly having fun. It is just awesome to see the upliftment and support from the HBUFC for the local community.
Besides that I met so many kind and wonderful people who welcomed me unbelievably gently. In the end they became amazing friends for me and I really do hope the best for the HBUFC in the upcoming years.
Jasper Foehe
To work for HBUFC was one of the most wonderful, challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. As a junior and ladies coach I had to face new challenges, tasks and responsibilities every day and everybody made it so easy for me to deal with them through their kindness and happiness. Everyone welcomed me as a part of the HBUFC family and I made friends for a lifetime. Sonwabile!
Tim Huebners
I had the fantastic oppportunity to do an internship at HBUFC for three months. I was very inspired by the people, the atmosphere in the club and also the philosophy of the club. Everyone is treated equally and the players, coaches and even other people from the community get great opportunities through the club. During my time there I felt very comfortable and made new friends. Everyone made me feel welcome and made my time here unforgettable. I wish HBUFC nothing but the best and hope to see you again very soon!
Lorena
I started volunteering at HBUFC very spontaneously after having travelled in Cape Town for a while. I’ve been writing here mostly for the website and also played some soccer.
When you come here, you can expect that you will probably extend your stay, maybe even more than once… And so for me, 6 weeks in Cape Town turned into 18. I had three wonderful months in Hout Bay and I am incredibly grateful to be able to take these memories home with me. Something about this place and the people I met is very special and the time here has extremely shaped how I perceive the world and the people around me. HBUFC can be something for everyone, whether you like soccer or not.
Sarah
Making the decision to do volunteer work for the HBUFC (even though I am not a soccer player at all, haha) turned into the most challenging, exciting and interesting experience in my life so far. My volunteer work mainly consisted of assisting the girl‘s coach, private tutoring sessions and taking care of the kids in the aftercare program at Silikamva primary school. In only about three months, the HBUFC managed to make me feel at home, strangers became friends and I fell in love with the beautiful nature and scenery of South Africa.
If you choose to work with the HBUFC, you didn’t only visit Hout Bay, you really lived there.
Josi