Local sports club needs saving

A once thriving community sports club is now on the brink of collapse due to ongoing vandalism, theft, and neglect.

The facility, which has long served as a hub for local youth and aspiring athletes, is in desperate need of intervention from community members.

Since the passing of Thea Prinsloo in 2023, the club has not been well maintained.

Prinsloo was in charge of the club for 15 years and was deeply involved in the sporting community.

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She was a member of the Ekurhuleni South Darts Association (ESDA), coached Elspark Primary School netball teams, practiced karate, and was also an active member of the angling community.

She was passionate about sports and dedicated to ensuring the facility served the community.

Over the past few months, the club has suffered repeated incidents of vandalism, creating serious security risks for those who wish to use the facility.

In an effort to raise awareness and involve the community in restoring the club, residents recently hosted a market at the venue and are hosting another one on April 26.

Resident Briggite Van Den Berg expressed her concern over the club’s deteriorating condition.

“The grounds have fallen into disrepair, the grass is overgrown, fencing has been stolen, and there is no maintenance,” she said.

“When I bought my home, I was excited to live opposite a sports club – it was an investment for my family.

“But now, if a facility like this becomes a hub for illegal activity, property values will drop, crime will rise, and our children will be influenced by drugs and who knows what else.

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“Instead of having a safe space to play ball or shoot hoops, they will have nowhere to go,” Van Den Berg added.

She explained that a small group of residents living near the club have come together to safeguard the facility and are eager to restore it. They are now inviting the broader community to join their efforts.

“The community is losing a safe space to play and connect. Our children are losing a place where they can simply be children and grow,” said Van Den Berg.

The club is now calling on community members and local businesses to assist in restoring the facility.

Residents are encouraged to volunteer their time or donate resources to help revive this vital space.

“We have plans to host a number of events to raise funds and awareness about how critical it is to protect this facility.

“Without urgent action, the club may be forced to close its doors, leaving the community without an essential recreational space,” Van Den Berg emphasised.

For more information or to offer assistance, residents can contact Briggite Van Den Berg 064 907 7859 or get involved through local initiatives.