Grassroots grit: Porto FC seeks support to grow a future for local boys

THERE’S a crackle of excitement happening in the area of Diamond Park, a section of Greenpoint in Kimberley. 

In this township, determined young footballers are chasing a football while at the same time chasing purpose, discipline, and hope. Porto Football Club, affectionately known as PJ Stars, was established in 2023 by a few dedicated soccer lovers, members of the Diamond Park community. 

What began as a modest initiative to get local boys off the streets has grown into a full-fledged club, currently fielding five teams across age divisions from Under-11 to Under-19. For many of these young players, football, in addition to being a pastime, is a lifeline.

“Some of our boys come from tough backgrounds,” said Renaldo van Wyk, the club manager. 

But Van Wyk also told the DFA how one young man turned his life around, and as a result, put his energies into helping to build the club 

“One of our management staff was involved in drugs and gangs before joining us. But he put that behind him and really helped us get our club going. 

“Now, he’s not only off the streets – he’s at every match, supporting the team, and even helping with tactics. He’s inspired a lot of young boys in our community. His story is proof of how football can change lives.”

Behind the scenes, the club operates on grit and goodwill. Training happens on a field in the community, and they make do with the available facilities.

“We train four days a week, from Monday to Thursday, with one-hour sessions each day,” Van Wyk says. “We use the nearest available field, but it's not in good condition.” 

Though the team originally started with young people from Greenpoint, they are now “importing” players. 

“We have players who travel long distances – some all the way from Ritchie – just to attend games,” Van Wyk said.

Meanwhile, despite all the positive forward momentum, the club still has needs; these are simple but urgent: basic soccer kits, balls, training equipment, and help with transport costs.

"We’re proud of what we’ve built, but keeping it going is tough,” says Van Wyk. “That’s why we’re reaching out – not for handouts, but for partnerships. Any local business that comes on board will not only help these boys continue playing but become part of a growing community story.”

Sponsors who can help the team with kit are offered the chance to have their logo displayed on team shirts and will receive a framed photo of the team – a small gesture in return for playing a huge role in shaping young lives.

Van Wyk says that the parents and guardians have already seen the benefits of having their children at the club. “They say football is teaching these boys discipline, teamwork, and a competitive spirit – all the things that shape not just better players, but better people,” Van Wyk shared.

For Porto FC, the game goes beyond the scoreline and who wins or loses. Trawling through the club’s Facebook page, one catches the positive influence that management is working to instil in young minds, the characters they are trying to develop.

Van Wyk even says that they are considering approaching schools in the area to introduce themselves and offer scholars the option of joining up with the club – the Porto FC family.

The whole focus of the club is about giving young people something to work toward – and someone to believe in them.

If you’d like to support or learn more, the club welcomes any conversation about how you can play a part in their growing journey.

So if there are organisations, businesses or individuals with a love of the beautiful game, and a heart for the youth, and you want to discuss how you can help the club, feel free to contact Renaldo van Wyk on 083 9233 512. 

Any support will be appreciated.