So much so that the South African financial services company have decided to add a second venue at the revamped Sandton Sports Club, also known as George Lea Park Sports Club.
"Soccer has been called the beautiful game, the ballet of the masses and a lifelong commitment. With more than a third of the world’s population (2.65 billion people, to be exact) actively playing soccer, it’s no surprise that Discovery Soccer Park has proved to be so popular,” said Iona Maclean, Head of Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at Discovery.
Although it has been operational since November last year, this month marks the formal launch of the new soccer facility as part of the highly successful Discovery Soccer Park brand.
The newest edition in the small-sided soccer stable forms part of the rejuvenated Sandton Sports Club, with one of the biggest drawcards being the six brand new, state-of-the-art artificial grass 5-a-side soccer courts.
This, along with a stylishly renovated soccer club house, now gives the Sandton Sports Club a formidable 5-a-side soccer offering.
“The demand for 5-a-side soccer has grown exponentially over the last few years, since Discovery Soccer Park in Illovo was built in 2010 – the largest of its kind in Africa," added Ryan Kalk, CEO of Discovery Soccer Park.
"We have now replicated this successful model at the Sandton Sports Club, our new facility has been met with great excitement, with both residents and local businesses alike eager to try out the new facilities that have helped to rejuvenate this much-loved sports club."
Maclean further added: “The reasons for encouraging and enabling people to take part in sport are almost endless, but 5-a-side soccer is regarded as an intense workout unrivalled by many other sports – it really gets those heart muscles working – and it’s fun. A great way of getting that much needed exercise."
An innovative take on soccer, the quicker 5-a-side format is a wonderful way for everybody, of every age and from all walks of life, to enjoy the beautiful game. To this end Kalk says soccer fans of varying ages and skill levels have already begun playing at the new club.
“We have already hosted many corporate soccer days and social games, and multiple leagues have already kicked off at the new venue, - they include various junior, social, veteran and corporate inter-divisional soccer leagues. So, if you haven’t tried 5-a-side soccer we would like to extend an open invitation to come to Discovery Soccer Park and try something new."
Outside of the 5-a-side games Discovery Soccer Park Sandton manages, it also hosts junior soccer coaching through the popular Warriors FC junior soccer club and Bubble Soccer, as well as 5-a-side soccer events for corporate sports days, team building days, launches, end of year corporate events and children’s birthday parties.