IQF Foundation: A Year of Growth, Goals & Greatness (2024 Recap)
2024 has been a standout year for the IQF Foundation — a year filled with progress, partnerships, and powerful moments of growth both on and off the field. As we continue to pursue our mission of empowering young players through the combination of football and education, we’re proud to share some of this year’s biggest highlights.
💡 Who We Are
In South Africa, six in ten children grow up without a father in their household — a crisis that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and entire communities1. The IQF Foundation is committed to rewriting this narrative.
As a non-profit football academy, we serve fatherless youth or those needing parental support, helping them grow into responsible men, strong leaders, and community changemakers. We go beyond just football — using a powerful mix of neuroscience-based training, mentorship, and life skills development, we’re raising elite footballers who are equipped to become nation-changers.
By partnering with us, you’re investing in more than talent. You’re investing in the next generation of fathers, leaders, and difference-makers.
🏆 28 Boys Sponsored
At the heart of what we do is the belief that every boy has the ability to become a man of integrity, honour and purpose. With the right support in his upbringing, this can be made possible. This year, 28 boys were fully sponsored through our programs — a huge milestone for us and a life-changing opportunity for each one of them. These young athletes received not only top-tier coaching but also mentorship, and the chance to dream big.
⚽ League Success: 13 Wins & 50+ Goals
Our boys didn’t just show up — they showed out. With 13 wins out of 17 league matches and over 50 goals scored, 2024 was a strong statement on the pitch. These results are a direct reflection of the team’s dedication, the coaches’ strategy, and the players’ ever-growing skills and teamwork.
🧠 Weekly Mentorship
Beyond physical training, our coaches committed to intentional mentorship three times a week — speaking into the players’ lives about respect, responsibility, character, and mindset. These sessions continue to be one of the most impactful parts of our program.
🌟 Player Spotlight: Ryan’s Story
One of the standouts this season has been Ryan, an Under-11 player who shines as both a central midfielder and striker — and even steps in as goalkeeper when needed.
Reflecting on the season, Ryan describes his experience as “positive, both on and off the pitch.” One of his biggest takeaways?
“Respect others, especially your mother and coaches.”
Through his time with IQ Football, Ryan says he’s seen big changes in himself — and he’s not the only one who’s noticed. His mother and friends have recognised the growth too, and Ryan proudly believes that his training has helped him improve not just as a player, but as a person.
🤝 Partnerships with English Clubs
One of our most exciting developments this year was establishing official partnerships with Middlesbrough FC and Norwich City FC — two respected clubs in England. These partnerships have already provided our players with professional kit and are paving the way for future opportunities and scouting pathways for those with elite potential. The dream just got a little closer.
📊 Online Statistics Platform with Muntumi
Modern football is evolving, and we’re evolving with it. In collaboration with our tech partner Muntumi, we launched a brand-new online statistics platform. This tool allows us to collect and analyse individual player data — from match performance to training stats. It’s already helping us identify strengths, target improvements, and even share meaningful insights with scouts and clubs.
Looking Ahead for IQF Foundation
This year reminded us of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. We’re not just building better footballers — we’re building better futures. Thank you to every coach, partner, sponsor, and supporter who helped make 2024 one of our best years yet.
Here’s to more wins, more growth, and more dreams coming true in 2025.
Invest in the next generation of leaders, future families, and the health of our nation.
References
2024Recap, BuildingFutures, FootballForChange, IQFC, IQFFoundation, IQFootball, MentorshipMatters, neurofootball, NextGeneration
