ALMOST 600 talented young soccer players from across South Africa will descend on Botha’s Hill next month for the fourth annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament, taking place from July 16 – 18.

Representing 36 teams, players will enjoy three action-packed days of competition during the school holidays, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship and passion for the game.

Designed to promote the growth and development of youth soccer among both boys and girls, while encouraging participation at primary and high school levels, the tournament has become a highlight on the school sporting calendar.

This year’s event will feature 16 boys’ high school teams, eight girls’ high school teams and 12 primary school sides from across KZN, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, providing a platform for young players to compete, develop and celebrate their love of football.

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This year participating boys’ high school teams from KZN are Durban High School, Glenwood High, Clifton College, Northwood and Queensburgh High (Durban); Ashton College Ballito; Maritzburg College; as well as Khabazela High, KwaDinabakubo Secondary, Westville Boys’ High and hosts Kearsney College (all Highway). Three Gauteng schools taking part are Steyn City School, Sutherland High and Trinity House Randpark; with Urban Academy and Alexander Road High (Gqeberha).

Joining last year’s girls’ high school winners St Mary’s DSG from Kloof, participating KZN teams are Durban Girls’ High, Danville Park Girls, St Henry’s Marist College and Ashton College Ballito; as well as Trinity House Randpark (Gauteng); and Urban Academy and Alexander Road High (Gqeberha).

They will be joined by 12 primary school sides. Local teams include last year’s winners Merchiston Prep and Pelham Senior Primary travelling from Pietermaritzburg; Highbury, Hillcrest Primary, Winston Park, Atholl Heights, Westville Senior Primary (Highway), Clifton Prep (Durban), as well as Ashton College Ballito, Reddam House Ballito and Curro Salt Rock (North Coast); and Curro Heronbridge (Gauteng).

Following the success of Kearsney’s annual Easter Rugby Festival, headmaster Patrick Lees said the school was proud to continue this unique tournament format and to play a role in supporting the development and growth of school soccer for both boys and girls in SA.

“Sport has a remarkable ability to bring young people together, and this tournament offers participants not only the chance to compete, but also to build friendships, learn from one another and enjoy an unforgettable experience,” he said.

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