THE school that wins the 2011 JNW Under-14 Soccer Cup will go to Germany where they will play games and meet some of the local icons of the beautiful game.

The finals of the tournament, supported by the Gauteng department of education's Ekurhuleni region and loveLife, will be played at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on July 22.

The tournament is sponsored by JNW Cleaning Solutions SA, a German company that has been financing the event for the past three years.

"We are delighted to be involved in this development tournament and the big prize for this year is for the boys to go to Germany," said the company's Shirley Khoza.

"On their arrival in Germany, the winners will play some of the games against local schools and will also meet some of the German soccer legends.

"The winners will leave for Germany on September 29 and return on October 7 and we appeal to the community on Ekurhuleni to support the matches."

The tournament started in May with 81 schools in Ekurhuleni participating.

Participating schools are currently wrapping up the district eliminations. The semifinals and final will take place at Katlehong Stadium on July 20.

Some of the current and former South African professional players have been invited to grace the finals and encourage youngsters to work hard.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Jerry "Legs of Thunder" Sikhosana, who is from Tembisa, will be among former professional players who have been invited to inspire the players. Solomon Chokoe, spokesperson for the organisers, thanked JNW for its support.