South African Football Association Girls Academy – High Performance Centre (January 2024 to December 2026)
Introduction
The South African Football Association (SAFA) established the Girls Football Academy in 2004, based at the High-Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria. The academy has been successful but faces funding challenges, reducing the number of players and staff. The academy aims to nurture female football talent while providing education and life skills.

Project Description
The academy selects girls aged 13 to 15 from across South Africa. Due to limited funding, scouting is not optimal. The academy offers a balanced education and high-performance training, contributing significantly to national teams—80% of national players come from the academy.

Objectives and Structure
The academy focuses on four key areas:

Football Training: Technical, tactical, and goalkeeping training by qualified coaches.
Education: Girls attend TuksSport High School, registered with the Gauteng Department of Basic Education.
Nutrition and Psychology: Emphasis on proper diet and mental fitness.
Medical and Sports Science: Regular testing and monitoring provided by the HPC.
Services provided by HPC include accommodation, transport, gym facilities, training fields, sports science, medical support, and meals.

Budget and Funding
A detailed budget is attached, outlining the costs and funding sources. The academy has previously been funded by the National Lottery Fund, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust, and SAFA's budget. Future funding is planned from the FIFA Forward Project and potential partnerships with provincial governments.

Project Schedule and Milestones
17 January 2024: 12 girls return to HPC for the academic year.
1 April 2024: Full-time Head Coach and House Mother appointed.
1 June 2024: Selection process for 2025 intake begins.
1 January 2025: Full-time Goalkeeper Coach and Physical Trainer appointed.
15 January 2025: 25 girls return for the 2025 academic year.
31 December 2026: End of FIFA Forward 3.0 Cycle.
Achievements and Impact
The academy has produced numerous national team players and has a strong academic track record. Many graduates pursue tertiary education, play for overseas universities, and hold leadership roles. Achievements include:

2014: 11 players represented the U20 Women's National team, winning Gold at the Region 5 Games in Zimbabwe.
2015: Several players received academic awards, including prefect positions and high subject scores.
2016: 13 players represented the U20 Women's National team, winning Gold at the Region 5 Games in Angola.
Quality Control and Management
The academy is managed by:

Technical Director: Walter Steenbok
Head of Women’s Football: Romaney Pinnock
Head Coach: Vacant
Assistant Coach: Vacant
Goalkeeper Coach: David Ribeiro (part-time)
House Mother: Vacant
Quality control is overseen by the Technical Director and Head of Women’s Football, ensuring high standards.

Sustainability
The academy 

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Girls Football Academy

Chapter 2: The Selection Process

Chapter 3: Training and Development

Chapter 4: Facilities and Support Services

Chapter 5: Funding Sources and Financial Management

Chapter 6: Key Events and Timeline

Chapter 7: Achievements of the Academy

Chapter 8: Management Structure

Chapter 9: Impact on Women's Football in South Africa

Chapter 10: Case Studies of Successful Graduates

Chapter 11: Future Directions

Chapter 12: Conclusion

Synopsis

Business Plan for South African Football Association Girls Academy – High Performance Centre (January 2024 to December 2026)