8-year old twins Ntokozo (third from left) and Slindile (far right) shine in our Mixed Gender League

The current Mixed Gender League (MGL) at the Health Academy features two new young football stars. In fact, they are the youngest MGL footballers so far. In our picture to the right, you will be able to see 8-year-old twins, Ntokozo and Slindile. You can probably pick them out of their team line-up, standing half as tall as their teammates with football kits a few sizes too big. Regardless, they both have enough heart and hustle on the football pitch to make up for their lack of size and experience- - Ntokozo is even one of the leagues’ leading scorers! 

Ntokozo and Slindile have attended the WKU Health Academy for health services and recreational activities for the past 6 months. Ever since their first visit they have wanted to play football in the MGL. Since the MGL footballers complete a sexual health course in conjunction with the football games, the staff select participants who are at least 12-years old. Fortunately for Ntokozo and Slindile, the Health Academy chose to run an MGL for the youth who will stay in the Edendale area for the school break and have allowed them to compete. 

Every game day Ntokozo and Slindile arrive at the Health Academy with huge smiles, football socks pulled up over their knees, ready to start playing. Last week, the Health Academy staff had the chance to chat with their number one fans, their parents, who came to cheer on their son and daughter. 

Ntokozo and Slindile’s mother told us how thrilled they were about the opportunity to play in the MGL: 

My son and daughter are so excited to be playing on the Swallows team this season. The first day of the MGL, my son received his football kit. He was so anxious to show it off. After leaving the Health Academy that day he went straight to his grandmother’s house to show her the kit and tell her about his MGL team. After visiting his grandmother, he came home. It was a raining evening so my husband and I were sleeping. Ntokozo came runnning into our room to wake us, wanting to show us his football kit and tell us all about his first game and how he scored 2 goals. He wanted to know when we were going to come give him support and my husband and I promised we would come to a game. We as parents are very happy about him. 

Just another feel good story that is testimony to the impact the WKU Health Academy has on the youth and families of Edendale!