The tournament, dubbed the Bernard Parker Schools Festival, is being hosted in Reiger Park, Boksburg, where the 29-year-old was born and raised.
The inaugural BP Schools Festival, which kicked off on Monday, is being contested by a total of 51 teams in age groups ranging from under-10 through to under-18, with the finals of each age group being contested on Friday between 10h00 and 16h00.
“The Bernard Parker Schools Festival is aimed at keeping young kids from Reiger Park off the streets, away from drugs and alcohol and other harmful activities during the school holidays,” Parker tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“We’ve catered for under-10s, under-12s, under-14s, under-16s and under-18s, and we are pleased at the numbers that have attended this week.”
The striker, who is passionate about contributing towards his local community, has also been assisting in coaching sessions around Reiger Park as he aims to uplift the youth and help young, aspiring footballers realise their dreams of making it as professionals.
“We urge all supporters to come and enjoy the talent that some of the kids have, while also uplifting them to continue working towards their dreams,” he concludes.