The Dream Growers

John started Dreamfields in 2007 with a view to making sure that township and rural children got to share in the dream of the 2010 World Cup. He grew up in Johannesburg as a football-crazy kid. 'Sport taught me so much growing up,' he says. 'If we can discover stars that would be wonderful, but our aim is to enrich school life and produce good, self-confident people - lawyers and doctors, plumbers and panel beaters, teachers and coaches, great fathers and mothers.'

Silas joined Dreamfields in 2008 and heads our sustainable sports programme. He grew up in Soshanguve. 'Sport helped me to learn valuable life skills, such as communication, leadership, discipline and teamwork and I made good memories and friends along the way. It's a great honour to lead a team that gives children an opportunity to realise their dreams through sport. I hope that t they can grow their dreams and give back to their families, communities and to the world. 

Linda became part of the Dreamfields team in 2010 and works with schools in northern Kwazulu-Natal. He grew up in Hillbrow and attended Roseneath Primary and the National School of the Arts. Sport was also a big part of his life. 'Playing sport at school developed my interpersonal skills and understanding of team and people dynamics,' he says. 'Dreamfields gives young people the chance to learn both sports skills and leadership which they can use to develop themselves and their communities.'

'Dreamfields means more than just being out in the field with the children,' says Mpho Ramela, who can usually be found in the villages of Cottondale and Manyeleti in rural Mpumalanga working with children and coaches. 'It means leaving an engraved footprint in their hearts through sport, as many of them aspire to be superstars one day.' Mpho grew up in Soshanguve a community which inspired his passion for sport. 'Sports embodies qualities, values and principles that aid in nurturing the development of  holistic human beings.' 

Lebogang is the newest member of the Dreamfields team and brings great experience in netball coaching to our work. She grew up in Kagiso in the west of Gauteng. 'Sports introduced me to life without limits,' she says 'and taught me valuable life lessons that continue to shape my life. Dreamfields has given me the ability to share my knowledge of sports with young children, and help them get closer to achieving their dreams.'

Graham has been a crucial part of Dreamfields since day one and as CFO has helped us navigate through Covid and other choppy waters. He grew up in Johannesburg and attended Roosevelt High where he excelled in rugby, cricket and athletics and learned lessons that he is committed to sharing with young people. 'Dreamfields has allowed me to share with school children the magic of sport and its lifelong teachings and relationships,' he says.