Laerskool Impala unveils new multifunctional sports field for learners

Laerskool Impala officially opened its new multifunctional sports field on July 23, giving learners access to improved facilities for hockey, netball and tennis.

Learners, staff and the School Governing Body (SGB) gathered at the school to celebrate the completion of the project, which aims to provide learners with more opportunities to develop their sporting abilities.

As a school with a large number of learners, Laerskool Impala said it recognises the importance of providing opportunities for learners to develop their talents both academically and through extracurricular activities.

ALSO READ: SPARK Kempton Park hosts annual sports day at Barnard Stadium

Deputy principal Christelle Le Roux said the vision for the facility was driven by Johan van der Westhuizen and Kobus Boshoff, who began engaging with potential investors and sponsors to make the project a reality.

“AON supported and contributed to the vision we have for Laerskool Impala. Sport is an extension of the classroom. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Discipline and self-discipline develop character for our future leaders.

“Sport is about much more than physical endurance; it teaches valuable social and individual skills. Physical education will also make use of the facility during contact time,” said Le Roux.

She added that the school was fortunate to have a supportive SGB that continues to invest in learners’ educational and developmental needs.

Although the project presented challenges during the construction phase, Le Roux said careful planning and communication between stakeholders ensured its successful completion.

ALSO READ: Saints Sports Festival ends on a high note

“The School Management Team and SGB have already developed a maintenance plan with capable people responsible for maintaining the facility. This is a significant project not only for Laerskool Impala but also for the community.

“The facility will be available for community use under the supervision of the school and relevant stakeholders,” she said.

SGB member Charne Bronkhorst said the decision to develop the multifunctional sports field was based on the belief that sport plays an important role in the overall development of learners.

She said the school identified the need for a safe, modern and versatile facility that could accommodate different sporting codes while supporting physical education, school sport, recreation and community activities.

“Before the sports field was developed, learners had limited access to suitable sporting facilities. Existing spaces were often overcrowded, weather-dependent or unsuitable for multiple sports.

ALSO READ: Energy, upsets, and unity mark day three of the Saints Sports Festival

“This made it difficult for educators to conduct physical education lessons and for sports teams to practise effectively. These challenges highlighted the need for a multifunctional facility that could improve learner participation and provide a safe environment for recreational and competitive activities,” said Bronkhorst.

The SGB believes the new facility will have long-term benefits for learners, the school and the wider community by encouraging healthy lifestyles, teamwork, discipline and school pride.

The field will also allow the school to host sporting events and strengthen relationships with other schools and community members.

According to SGB member Johan van der Westhuizen, the sports field formed part of the school’s broader vision for the Multi-Media (Vlerke) Centre.

“The entire development was conceived as an investment in our learners’ future. The Multi-Media Centre creates opportunities for academic growth, while the multifunctional sports field provides a space where learners can develop their sporting talents,” he said.

Van der Westhuizen said partnerships were essential in bringing the project to life, with Turftech playing an important role in completing the facility.

ALSO READ: Saints Sports Festival day three keeps the energy alive

“Turftech has been an outstanding partner throughout the process. Their expertise and careful planning ensured that the field was completed with minimal disruption to the day-to-day running of the school.”

He said securing funding was one of the biggest challenges, but support from private-sector partners who shared the school’s vision helped make the project possible.

Another consideration was ensuring that the field was the correct size while fitting seamlessly into the existing school grounds.

“We hope the facility will create more opportunities for every learner to become involved in sport, regardless of their current ability.

“Participation in sport builds confidence, teamwork, discipline and resilience, and we believe this field will help lay a strong foundation for learners as they progress to high school.

“More broadly, we hope it becomes a source of pride for our school and inspires healthy, active lifestyles within our community,” said van der Westhuizen.