A Year of Growth, Grit, and Greatness
2025 was an incredible year for United Through Sport South Africa. From action-packed tournaments to inspiring life-skills sessions, our hubs were alive with energy, teamwork, and determination. Throughout the year, hundreds of young athletes took to the fields, courts, and pools with a shared goal: to grow, compete, and give their best.
Bridgwater College & NASSH Tournament
A Celebration of Connection and Competition
We started the year on a high in March by welcoming back our incredible coaching partners from Bridgwater College (UK). Together, we hosted a tournament under our Hubs Model, bringing schools from the Northern Areas School Sports Hub (NASSH) together for a day filled with teamwork, learning, and friendly competition.
More than 240 young athletes took part. Beyond the matches, they joined Aware.org alcohol awareness sessions that encouraged them to make positive, informed choices about their futures.
Tournament Champions:
Hockey: Astra Primary
Rugby: Astra Primary
Football: Fernwood Park Primary
Netball: Bethelsdorp Primary
Every school left with pride and lasting memories, a reminder that sport connects, uplifts, and inspires.
Alex-Fest
Passion, Power, and Progress
Just a few weeks later, our U14 athletes from both NASSH and Siyaphakama Hubs took to the field at Alex-Fest 2025 and they did not disappoint.
Our Girls’ Soccer Team made their debut this year, playing with heart, skill, and determination. Across all sports, including netball, hockey, soccer, and rugby, our teams delivered outstanding performances, winning 90% of their matches and showing what dedication and teamwork can achieve.
Swim Gala
Making Waves of Change
By April, we swapped the field for the pool as our young swimmers took part in our end-of-term Swim Gala.
Our Learn to Swim Programme made a remarkable impact, with over 90% of participants improving their swimming and lifesaving skills thanks to the hard work of our volunteer coaches. But the most meaningful progress was in confidence and courage. Many children faced their fears, built resilience, and discovered new strengths that will stay with them long after they leave the pool.
To celebrate these milestones, we hosted a gala where participants demonstrated their skills through friendly races and water safety games. We also ran a Water Safety Workshop to ensure every child left knowing how to stay safe in and around water.
Siyaphakama Rugby
Style, Spirit, and Strength
In June, our Siyaphakama rugby boys travelled to Grahamstown for an exciting fixture against Graeme College. Dressed in their new adidas kit, they played with focus and confidence, winning two out of three matches.
A big thank you to Graeme College for their hospitality and competitive spirit. Our players returned home motivated and ready for more.
Aware.org Tournament
Derby Day Dominance
July was all about unity, competition, and learning as 240 children from both hubs gathered for the Aware.org Tournament.
The day included Underage Drinking awareness sessions and a motivational talk from professional rugby player Athi Mayinje, who encouraged our young players to stay focused on their goals both on and off the field.
Top Players of the Day:
Netball: Amyoli Visani and Logan Messiahs
Soccer: Liyahluma Zonke and Hlanganani Madope
Rugby: Simamkele Makwethu and Qwin Gallant
Everyone left with a sense of achievement, packed lunches, and renewed energy for the season ahead.
Siyaphakama vs Kirkwood
Heart and Hustle
In August, our Siyaphakama teams faced Kirkwood High School in a series of exciting netball and rugby matches.
Netball results:
U14A (20–8), U14B (17–9), U16B (22–7), U16A (28–8), First Team (21–24)
Rugby result: Lost 17–24 but showed incredible determination and team spirit.
A sincere thank you to Ellie Ervine and Team Bath for donating our new kits. The players looked and felt their best, and it showed in their performance.
UTS Rugby Derby
Hub Rivalry, Unity, and Growth
Later in August, we hosted a Siyaphakama vs NASSH Rugby Derby that showcased real talent, teamwork, and community spirit.
Results:
U9: Siyaphakama 0–7 NASSH
U11: Siyaphakama 10–0 NASSH
U13: Siyaphakama 20–0 NASSH
Each match reflected how far our athletes have come, demonstrating the values of discipline, teamwork, and respect that define our programmes.
Final Derby & Siyaphakama League Finals
The Grand Stage
In September, our Northern Areas and Zwide hubs met for the final derby of the year. Both U11 and U13 football games ended in penalty shootouts, showing outstanding skill and sportsmanship from every team.
Later that month, the Zwide Hub hosted the Siyaphakama League Finals, an exciting day that brought together the best of the best.
2025 Siyaphakama League Champions:
Netball U11 and U13 Girls: Garrett Primary
Soccer U11 Boys: Emsengeni Primary
Soccer U13 Boys: Isaac Booi Primary
Rugby U11 and U13 Girls: Isaac Booi Primary
Rugby U11 Boys: Isaac Booi Primary
Rugby U13 Boys: Emsengeni Primary
Every participant was celebrated with a certificate, and awards were given for Player of the League and Most Improved Player, recognising hard work and growth as much as success.
A special thank you to the Kolisi Foundation for your ongoing support and belief in the power of sport to transform lives.
Special thanks to the Kolisi Foundation for your continued support and belief in the power of sport to transform lives.
Aware.org Holiday Tournament
Wrapping Up the Year Strong
To close out an incredible year, we hosted our final Aware.org Tournament in October at Sapphire Primary.
Over 130 young athletes from Booysens Park took part in a week-long programme of matches, mentorship, and life-skills sessions. From teamwork on the field to lessons about healthy choices off it, the tournament was a perfect reflection of what we stand for.
Thank you to Aware.org and everyone who made this event such a memorable way to finish the year.
Looking Ahead
As we look back on 2025, we’re proud of how much our young athletes, coaches, and volunteers have grown, both on and off the field. This year showed the real impact of sport: building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
In 2026, we’ll keep strengthening our hubs, deepening partnerships, and creating more opportunities for children to learn, play, and reach their potential. The progress made this year reminds us that every game, every session, and every shared moment matters, each one helping us move closer to a future where all young people can thrive through sport.