Mainz 05 take football development programme to Cape Town

German Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 continued its football development work in Cape Town last week, delivering academy coaching sessions for young players and community coaches before supporting the South African Freestyle Football Championship at the V&A Waterfront.

The programme brought together practical football camps, coaching education and a public freestyle competition. It forms part of Mainz 05’s continuing work in South Africa, where the club has focused on grassroots development, coach education and partnerships with local organisations.

Mainz 05 and Rheinland-Pfalz Gold have previously backed international football camps and coaching clinics in the country. Their international partnership has been expanded for the 2025/26 season.

Football camps across Cape Town

The first camp was held at Nexgen Football School, where young players were introduced to Mainz 05’s coaching methods. Local coaches also used the sessions to exchange ideas and discuss approaches to player development.

A total of 85 players, ranging from under-10 to under-18 level, took part alongside coaches.

Nexgen was founded in Cape Town in 2014 as a grassroots football school designed to develop young talent through coaching and to create opportunities beyond local competition. The organisation is led by its founder, Justin Tantaal.

The programme then moved to Badgers Football Academy, extending Mainz 05’s coaching and development exchange to another football community in the city.

Badgers was established in 2017 as a women’s football club and is run by women for girls and women. Its work is aimed at increasing access to football through inclusive and supportive playing opportunities, while also providing coaching, mentorship and routes towards personal and sporting development.

The third camp was hosted by Hellenic Football Academy, a club with longstanding links to football in Cape Town.

Hellenic was founded in 1958 by Greek South Africans and developed into one of South Africa’s leading teams during the 1970s. The club won the national championship in 1971, while its Cape Town structure has also maintained a strong focus on youth development.

Freestyle championship at the V&A Waterfront

The week concluded at the V&A Waterfront, where Mainz 05 and Rheinland-Pfalz Gold supported the South African Freestyle Football Championship.

The event provided local champions with a prominent public venue in which to compete. Freestyle football combines ball control, athletic ability and creative performance, allowing competitors to display their skills to a wider audience.

Previous South African Open championships held at the Waterfront have featured national competitors and provided a route towards international competition.

By linking football camps with the freestyle event, Mainz 05 continued its community-level activity in South Africa. The club’s wider international programme includes grassroots camps, coach clinics and community work in the country.

Founded in 1905, Mainz 05 is an established Bundesliga club with a recognised youth programme and a stated commitment to community engagement. Its Cape Town activities brought the club’s development experience directly to local players, coaches and football organisations.