Flash Mob Soccer Event at Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University hosts the biggest soccer game ever staged in South Africa !

The flash mob soccer event took place on 3 March 2010 at Stellenbosch University ’s Neelsie parking lot, and has been hailed as the biggest soccer game ever staged in South Africa . The official Stellenbosch University sporting event was played in support of the 2010 World Cup and in celebration of 100 days until kick-off.

What is a flash mob soccer event?

The flash mob soccer game was essentially a combination of soccer and flash mob. Flash mob refers to a large group of people, assembled in a public place, taking part in an unusual act for a short period of time. The game consisted of five hundred players, five referees, fifty balls and four goal posts. Rules were only revealed minutes before the commencement of the game.

The forty minute flash mob soccer game was open to the public and consisted of many players and enthusiastic supporters from Stellenbosch University . The parking area was transformed into a large street soccer pitch with demarcated playing lines and high fencing.

The players were divided into two teams, one team dressed in yellow and the other in green. A confusing game ensued with players darting around, and kicking balls that were randomly added throughout the game.

Players had to freeze as soon as they heard the sound of the vuvuzela and could only continue once the word “go” was shouted out by one of the referees. These brief intervals are known as flash mob moments. Chaos reigned but the game was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The event was staged in support of the forthcoming World Cup and revealed the excitement and anticipation shared by South Africans.

In addition to the sporting thrills, players and spectators took part in a co-ordinated Diski Dance, the official dance of the 2010 World Cup. The dance combines choreographed soccer moves with rhythmic township-style dancing.

So which team was the flash mob champion?

At the end of the exhilarating day, the team in green won with an impressive tally of 240 goals, while the yellow team scored 99 goals. Fantastic prizes were given away throughout the afternoon, including the official soccer ball of the 2010 World Cup, valued at R1,000.

In the lead up to the World Cup, soccer enthusiasts can expect many more exciting events to take place in Stellenbosch, including an Xbox tournament and a street soccer tournament.

Stellenbosch University ’s sporting facilities will host many events preceding, during and after the World Cup. The Greater Stellenbosch Project 2010, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch Municipality and local businesses have dedicated all resources to promote the World Cup and provide top-class services and facilities throughout the tournament.

“The 2010 Soccer World Cup will provide impetus to our existing efforts of investing in the well being of the residents of Stellenbosch, and also add to the collective efforts underway to make this edition of the Soccer World Cup, the first to be held on African soil, a truly memorable and successful event,” says Alderman Cyril Jooste, Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch.

About the Author:
The Greater Stellenbosch 2010 Project is aimed at promoting Stellenbosch as a tourism destination for soccer fans and teams during the 2010 World Cup. Stellenbosch offers many first-rate sporting and training facilities, including fields, gymnasiums and the Stellenbosch Performance Institute (SUSPI).