In the quiet town of Darling a soccer club is changing lives, not only for its players, but for the entire community.
At the centre of Darling Football Club’s growth stands a tight-knit group of sponsors, families and coaches who believe in the power of sport to uplift, transform, and unite. Among these is Prism Inter Africa CC, or Prismia, a company which has supported the local club for more than six years.
On Tuesday 1 July the company, which specialises in advanced chemical safety solutions, handed over new soccer balls to club members.
At the gathering, Prismia owner Antony “Tony” Eva, shared his thoughts on the company’s ongoing relationship with Darling FC and the meaningful impact it continues to have within the community. “It started with Mandy Wessels and her children, who went to school here. Mandy was deeply involved in the community and worked closely with Faiz for years,” he said. Mandy now lives in Zambia.
Support from Prismia and other sponsors goes beyond financial aid. “We allocate a percentage of our turnover to community projects. For the club, we’ve helped with equipment, team kits, travel, and sometimes our staff assist the Darling FC executive by handing out refreshments during matches,” Eva added.
Bradley Chetty, club secretary and coach, said: “Without our sponsors, we are nothing. Their presence keeps our kids coming back. They stand beside us, not just in budgets, but right next to the field.”
Edwinah Fredericks, an executive committee member and director, echoed this sentiment.
“Some families can’t afford football expenses. Our sponsors see this – they don’t just send funds, they show up,” she said.
The club’s impact is measurable; from the annual Luka Cup held in honour of a young player, to representation in the Atlantis and Swartland local football associations, Darling FC is producing results. Its players have been scouted by academies countrywide, with some having the opportunity to play in Spain and the United States. Two players, 22 -year-old Ju-Wann Daniels and 16-year-old Xavier Willemberg, were recently selected for trials in Spain and the US, respectively.
“We teach these kids discipline on and off the field,” Chetty pointed out. “They know when they wear our kits, they represent Darling and the sponsors.”
For Fredericks, it’s personal as her son Tyson, diagnosed with autism, found his place in the club and among teammates. “Faiz Willemburg, founder and president of Darling FC, embraced him. They raise children to be future leaders, not just athletes.”
Eva agreed: “Seeing the under-10s wear our logo, makes us very excited and reminds us how we’re building something bigger than business. We’re building a community.”
Darling FC isn’t just a club, it’s a movement fuelled by kindness, vision, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
