“Please bring our kids home”: Cape Town families reeling after football tour leaves children stranded in Spain

A once in a lifetime soccer trip to Europe has turned into a logistical and emotional nightmare for local families, with young players stuck abroad and no clear answers

What started as a dream come true for a group of young Cape Town footballers has ended in anxiety, confusion and heartbreak — as nearly 40 people, including children and their coaches from BT Football Academy, remain stranded in Europe following an ill-fated tour to Spain.

The group had travelled to represent South Africa at the prestigious Donosti Cup 2025, one of the world’s largest youth football tournaments. But now, with return flights nowhere to be found and costs mounting by the hour, panicked parents say they feel helpless, and desperate for answers.

A dream that started in Kraaifontein

For one Kraaifontein grandmother, this tour was the culmination of months of sacrifice. Her 13-year-old grandson had been with the academy for two years and earned his place on the trip based on merit.

“Last year, they told us the cost would be R50 000. We worked hard, we fundraised, and we paid it over time. That was meant to cover everything — flights, food, accommodation, transport,” she explained.

Like many of the other families involved, they trusted the academy and its leadership, especially given that this was the third consecutive year the club had taken youth teams on international tours.

From opening fireworks to frightening uncertainty

The football itself was a thrill. The under-19 squad made it to the finals, the under-14s celebrated knockout wins, and players sent joyful updates and videos from the opening ceremony. The experience was rich with culture, camaraderie and pride.

But the excitement soon gave way to chaos once the tour ended and the group returned to Madrid airport — only to discover that return tickets had not actually been secured.

According to reports from families, the academy’s chairperson, who had allegedly arranged all flights and bookings, repeatedly stalled when asked for boarding passes. What began as “just 10 more minutes” spiralled into days of waiting.

Pleas for help, but little support

Worse still, parents were later told that the cost of flights had gone up, and more money was needed — despite having already paid in full.

“There was no warning. No request for extra funds until the kids were already stuck,” the Kraaifontein grandmother said. “We’re grateful to the coaches who used their own money to keep the children fed. They were even kicked out of one hotel.”

The group was eventually relocated to Portugal, reportedly because return flights were cheaper from there. But that, too, brought more uncertainty. Promises that the children would fly home by 4pm yesterday again went unfulfilled.

Attempts to contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) yielded limited results. “I was given a number to call, but nothing came of it,” she said.

Dirco steps in — to a point

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri acknowledged the ordeal, calling it “very unfortunate” and encouraging South Africans to assist where possible. However, he also made it clear the case fell outside the direct scope of consular intervention.

“We hope those responsible will take accountability,” Phiri added.

As of publication, BT Football Academy has not responded to requests for comment.

Community reaction: concern, outrage and crowdfunding

Social media has lit up with concern and calls for accountability. On local Facebook groups and WhatsApp threads, fellow parents and football lovers are rallying to raise funds and demand clarity from BT Academy.

“This is beyond unacceptable,” wrote one commenter. “How do you take kids to another country without confirmed flights back?”

Others are sharing banking details and pledging small amounts to assist the coaches and stranded players while officials scramble to help.

A cautionary tale for youth sports

This unfolding situation has struck a nerve, especially in working-class communities where opportunities like these are rare and hard-won.

While the children are reportedly safe for now, their families remain emotionally frayed. “It was his first time on a plane, first time away from home,” the grandmother said tearfully. “He was so excited. Now it’s a nightmare.”

The incident raises broader questions about oversight, planning, and accountability in youth sports — and highlights the need for tighter checks when minors are sent abroad under the care of private institutions.

Final whistle or just the beginning?

As the group continues waiting for a flight home, Cape Town families are left with more questions than answers. For many, the concern now goes beyond logistics.

“We just want them home safe,” one parent said. “We’ll worry about the rest later.”

If you or someone you know is able to assist, or has updates on the BT Academy situation, please reach out to local support groups or follow verified updates on social media.

Source:IOL 

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