Mercedes-Benz supports youth work in South Africa.



The "Go for Goals" project links the launch of the new Sprinter in Soccer World Cup year 2006 with a social sponsorship project and builds a bridge to the Soccer World Cup 2010 in South Africa.





In the summer of 2006, Mercedes-Benz dealers collected points as part of a soccer "shoot-out challenge" (six attempts to kick a ball through two circular openings of an erected goal). Mercedes-Benz converted these points into support for street football projects established by the non-profit-making organisation Grassroot Soccer in South Africa.



In setting up "Go for Goals", Mercedes-Benz wants to create a better start in life for young players. Sport engenders a sense of team spirit and contributes to successful and non-violent conflict management. Grassroot Soccer utilises the power and popularity of street soccer to help disadvantaged young people and to support the battle against drugs and HIV/AIDS.



The two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans will be used in Cape Town and Pretoria. They will transport children and young people to soccer matches and events as part of social programs.



Mercedes-Benz plans to support more street football projects in other countries by 2010 – the year of the next Soccer World Cup.