We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ballito’s Radio Life & Style 88FM to talk all things grassroots football. Our Chairman and Technical Director, Gareth, alongside our Head of Culture and Communications, Daniel, joined the morning show to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, hustle, and community that makes Ballito United FC (BUFC) tick.
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Here is a look at the highlights from our conversation on 88FM:
Radio Life & Style 88FM: When you look at the club’s journey over the past couple of years, what does it take behind the scenes to rebuild and manage this massive growth? You’ve scaled from 50 players to 180 players across 10 teams!
Gareth: “It has been quite a journey, and there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see. We manage the club finances, secure lease agreements, organize transport for our players, and handle the marketing. We certainly don’t do this for financial gain—you don’t get much money running a local football club! We do it purely for the love and passion of the game, and for the kids at the end of the day.”
Radio Life & Style 88FM: Is there a lot of involvement from the parents, and how do you work with them on a weekly basis?
Daniel: “It is a true community club, and it definitely wouldn’t happen without the parents driving everywhere and supporting their kids. We are very intentional about establishing an appropriate culture amongst our parents of offering positive encouragement and not coaching from the sidelines, so the children can simply love the game without being under too much pressure.”
Radio Life & Style 88FM: Inclusivity is a huge focus for you. How vital is that outreach to the spirit of the club?
Gareth: “It’s one of the most important things at BUFC and a key differentiator between us and other community clubs. We pride ourselves on being a melting pot for different cultures. Thanks to the incredible support of our parents, who help provide transport, food, and sponsorships for players coming from areas like Shayamoya, Etete, and Groutville who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play soccer in this type of environment.”
Radio Life & Style 88FM: Daniel, I detect a bit of an Australian accent! What brought you to South Africa, and how did you land in that chair today?
Daniel: “It was football passion that brought me here in the first place for the 2010 World Cup! I was on a one-year trip around the world, met a South African lady on the third day, fell in love at first sight, got married two years later, and I’ve been here ever since. I played soccer my whole life, and when the oldest of my four children started playing at age five, it was natural to start coaching. I was already working with children at a local church, so I combined those skills to start coaching on the pitch.”
Radio Life & Style 88FM: And Gareth, does football run in your blood as well?
Gareth: “Absolutely. From my great-grandfather down to my grandfather and father, they were all ex-professional footballers. I played at an elite level in academies growing up but never signed a professional contract. Now, my goal is to give kids the opportunities, good mentorship, and support systems that I didn’t necessarily have, ensuring they have a place to play where they feel safe and included.”
Radio Life & Style 88FM: The club has a stellar reputation around Durban for respect and culture. How do you instill those core values on the field?
Daniel: “Our founder, Steve Welsh, set amazing foundations for our culture when he started the club in 2017. We work closely with our coaches to remind them that it’s not just about winning or getting results. It’s about taking a knee when an opposition player gets injured, not shouting at referees, and respectfully greeting the coaches. By prioritizing a fun, engaging, and disciplined environment, the on-pitch results naturally follow—as we’ve seen with the recent stabilization and success of our squads.”
