Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Pillars Academy ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our academy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit an application to join the academy
• Register for programs or events
• Contact us through our website or email
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Make a donation or sponsorship payment

This information may include:

• Name, date of birth, and gender
• Contact information (email address, phone number, physical address)
• Parent/guardian information (for minors)
• Medical information relevant to participation
• Football experience and skill level
• Payment information
• Photos and videos taken during academy activities

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Device information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process applications and enrollments
• Communicate with players, parents, and guardians
• Provide training programs and services
• Send newsletters and updates about academy activities
• Process payments and donations
• Improve our website and services
• Ensure safety and security of participants
• Comply with legal obligations
• Market our programs and services (with consent)

4. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us with website hosting, payment processing, email services, and other business operations
• Professional Clubs and Scouts: With your consent, we may share player information with professional clubs and scouts for placement opportunities
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Emergency Contacts: Medical information may be shared with emergency services if necessary

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Photos and Videos

We may take photos and videos during training sessions, matches, and events for:

• Marketing and promotional materials
• Social media posts
• Website content
• Player development and video analysis

Parents/guardians will be asked to provide consent for the use of photos and videos of minors. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
• Object to processing of your information
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• Request a copy of your information in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@pillarsacademy.co.za

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are primarily directed at minors participating in football training. We collect information about children only with parental/guardian consent. Parents/guardians have the right to review, modify, or delete their child's information at any time.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Pillars Academy
12 Boom Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Email: info@pillarsacademy.co.za
Phone: 083 232 3761