Partnership Bolsters Football Magic Program
Partnership Bolsters Football Magic Program Through Key Networking and Support from London-Based Businesses In an exciting development for The Football Magic Program, a longstanding relationship
Our Team
Technical Advisor
Fran Hilton-Smith
With over 30 years’ experience in professional and International Woman’s football, Fran will bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our program. We’re so privileged to have Fran part of the Magic Team.
Girls football development at schools and in development programs such as the Magic Girls is the nursery for the U17 and U20 SA Womens National teams. It also gives girls a chance to enjoy a wonderful team sport and make friends for life. Girls football is the fastest growing sport in SA! The Magic girls’ development program is a great initiative that puts the emphasis on holistic development rather than short term results. I hope you’ll join us
PROGRAM ADVISOR
Shilene Booysen
The current head coach of South Sudan Womens National Team has a ton of golden nuggets to share. Her previous experience with Banyana Banyana is going to take the MLP to the next level! We’re so grateful to Shilene for investing in this program.
I think the magic ladies development program is a great initiative and will definitely be a huge benefit to those girls who are looking to make a career out of football. I believe that the sooner you are exposed to high levels of football coaching and education, and a professional environment, the more chance you have got of being successful.
DIRECTOR OF COACHING
George Dearnaley
- Former Bafana Bafana player
- 30 years’ experience in local professional football
- Coached at the Ajax Cape Town academy
- Has worked in youth development for the last 23 years, helped young players with College scholarships, professional opportunities and contracts etc.
I believe in the Magic of football. I really believe there is a lot of raw talent and ability in South Africa, but I can definitely see that there is not enough being done to develop womens football in SA. I think womens football is the fastest growing sport in SA and I want to help create pathways and opportunities for girls who want to make a career out of football. I have helped develop a number of young male players for the professional game, and now I want to do the same for girls. I’m excited to be involved and have got a great team of womens football experts and personalities involved with this program. And we have an amazing venue for our training program, and some excellent partnerships that will really help elevate the level of performance of those girls who join our program.
Biokinetist And Conditioning Expert
Katherine Poole
Hands down one of the most dedicated and professional conditioning experts in the game! Katherine Poole’s contribution to the MLP is just what our girls need and deserve. We’ve seen first-hand what success looks like through her and we’re so honoured to have her in our team.
In order for our girls to have international success, we need to be pushing them at international standards. I have spent the last 8 years working in football specific conditioning programs, and I believe that the Magic Ladies development program will be a huge advantage for local girls who want to take their football to the next level.
sports with saunders
Tarren Saunders
Tarren Saunders has been making her way up in the media & journalism world this past year and proved to be the perfect candidate that represents what we at The Magic Ladies Program stand for. We believe this is the perfect platform for Tarren and The MLP to grow together.
I am so thankful for this opportunity, not many establishments would give a young & upcoming journalist such an opportunity to grow and learn along the way. I believe The Magic Ladies Program is a wonderful initiative and I am confident that it will develop and produce the best female football talent we have to offer.
Goalkeeper Coach
Farouk Abrahams
This legend needs no introduction! Former professional goalkeeper with extensive experience and success. Speaker and instructor at the first international goalkeeper conference in Nuremberg 2008.
Founder of FAGA, the longest-running (24 years) grassroots and professional goalkeeper academy in the country. Produced top young keepers for amateur, professional, and national men’s and women’s teams. Farouk has empowered hundreds of goalkeeper coaches nationally via courses and workshops.
What an honour to have this legendary goalkeeper as part of our Magic Ladies Program.
When approached by George Dearnaley I jumped at the opportunity to join The Magic Ladies Program because it aligns with the FAGA model of gender equality and taking women goalkeepers to the next level. I love the vision and belief of the individuals involved in this program and there will be a lot of opportunities for young ladies in football as a result of this excellent initiative
Assistant Coach
Howard Davids
We are honoured and excited to have an experienced and hardworking assistant coach such as Howard Davids on board.
His work ethic and never-say-die attitude on the field as a football player earned him the nickname SA James Milner.
That is exactly the drive and passion we need at The Magic Ladies Program to teach our ladies to never give.
I have been a football player for most of my career and going into coaching is a real dream and passion for me. I can help players better themselves with the knowledge I have obtained over the years. I believe The Magic Ladies Program will create a good environment for girls/ladies who aspire to further their careers and to better themselves as a player and a person. I believe with dedication, discipline, determination, and hard work a player’s career can flourish. I am humbled to be part of this initiative and I look forward to helping the ladies develop.
TEAM MANAGER
Desiree Da Silva
The Magic Ladies FC has an excellent development structure for ladies and women in football.
The highly qualified technical staff and everyone involved who gives their 110% at all times is what makes us great. We understand the need for the development of women in football, and we also understand the dynamics needed to produce brilliant footballers. We know that holistic development is very important, and that is why we look at all aspects of a player’s life.
High school deputy principal , HOD for development at SAFA Cape Town, vice president of women at CTTLFA & manager of The Magic Ladies Sasol Team
