The spirit of community upliftment was alive and well on 27 June 2025, as the Hollywood Foundation’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Team, in collaboration with the Hollywoodbets Phoenix Branch, proudly handed over much-needed soccer kits and equipment to Italian Football Club. This CSI contribution forms part of the Foundation’s My Sports pillar, which focuses on meaningful Sports Development at both grassroots and community levels.
Founded in 2015 by passionate Club Owner Dumisani, Italian Football Club was born out of a vision to provide youth with a safer, more structured path, away from drugs and crime. “I started this Team to fight the growing social issues in our community and to give our young people a platform to express themselves through football,” said Dumisani. His commitment has seen the Team grow to 40 active players, many of whom have gone on to shine on bigger stages.
The Club’s proudest achievement came in 2017, when they won a local tournament and celebrated the promotion of several players to respected leagues like Japera and Motsepe. However, up until now, keeping the Team afloat meant Dumisani had to personally fund the players’ needs, from equipment to travel costs, all in the name of Sports Development.
This latest CSI contribution from the Hollywood Foundation is now changing the game. With new kits and equipment, the Team will finally be able to train with confidence and represent themselves proudly in tournaments. This support has brought morale, motivation, and momentum to the Club and the community at large.
“We’re so grateful for this support,” said Dumisani.
“It’s been a long journey, and the Hollywood Foundation and Phoenix Branch have given us the push we needed. Thank you for believing in our Team and in grassroots sports.”
