Arthur Adams
From Street Kid to Soccer Hero
Rhodé Marshall meets South Africa's inspirational captain Arthur AdamsMost homeless people do not move to the streets by choice, but 29-year-old Arthur Adams did. Now he is in Bafowethu (Our Brothers), the South African Homeless World Cup team.
Arthur is a talented and confident footballer from Grassy Park, Cape Town, and has always had a tremendous love for soccer. “My days were spent kicking balls around and I played for a couple of clubs in my community.”
“During my teenage years I began to mix with the wrong crowd, I drank alcohol, used drugs and stole from people.” This created problems with his family, which eventually led to him leaving home.
“I knew I had nowhere else to go but the streets, I remained in Grassy Park not far from my family and at times being so close to them was comforting.” The streets then became Arthur’s only shelter.
Arthur describes his experience on the streets as highly intimidating. “Gangsters have always seen it as fun to harass and beat up homeless people. I soon realized the streets weren’t the right place to be; at home there was comfort but on the streets there was nothing.”
The fate of this talented man changed when he was approached by OASIS, an organization which supports street kids. “They spoke to me about moving back home and I reconciled with my family.” OASIS also told Arthur about the national trials for the Homeless World Cup – and he grabbed the opportunity.
“I didn’t feel threatened at the trials; I just told myself… just do what I do best because I will be in the South African team.” This confidence was not in vain. Arthur not only made the team but he was also made captain.
His achievements have brought him closer to his family who are extremely supportive. Arthur says he would now like to strive towards a better life and take his soccer career further.
His advice to kids on the street is: “Stop doing the wrong things and look towards a better life for yourself.”