I live in Atteridgeville and started drinking last year when life got too stressful. My mom lost her job and I felt like everything was falling apart. My friends used to say alcohol helps you forget your problems and for a while, it did. But after every weekend, I felt empty and ashamed.

When I joined Life’s a Ball, I didn’t expect it to change my life. But during the Underage Drinking Awareness sessions that coach Norman has taught us throughout the year, I saw what alcohol really does to your body and dreams. We had a community member shared her story of how she almost lost everything because of drinking. It made me realise that I could still choose differently.

I stopped drinking completely and focused on sport. Every time I step on the field, I remember that I am stronger than my past.

The biggest change for me is believing that I can rebuild my confidence. I now speak to boys who feel hopeless and tell them, “Your story can change too.”