The deadline is fast approaching for 15-year-old Kamryn Matthee, who needs urgent community support to keep her dream of representing South Africa in touch rugby alive.

The signed Tour Acceptance Agreement and first administrative payment must be received by 17:00 on Monday, November 16, or her place in the South African Touch National Training Squad may be offered to a reserve.

Kamryn, whose parents Ezra and Jolene are former Vryheid residents now living in Richards Bay, has been selected for the national training squad ahead of the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup 2027 in Ireland.

The tournament will take place in Limerick from July 23 to 26 next year, with more than 40 teams expected to participate.

A chance to represent South Africa

For Kamryn, the selection is recognition of the commitment and hard work she has put into a sport she loves.

Her parents say she lives and breathes touch rugby, and that watching her dedication, fitness and skills develop on the field has been a source of immense pride.

They are determined to give her every opportunity to earn a place in the final squad and wear the green and gold.

However, there are significant costs to meet before the team can travel, starting with the immediate training camp expenses.

First payment due by November 16

The first two training camps, which form part of the selection process, will cost a combined R7 000. This amount must be paid upfront by November 16.

The first compulsory camp will take place in Johannesburg on December 5 and 6. A second camp, scheduled for January 16 and 17, is by invitation only.

Players who are not retained after the December camp will receive a R3 500 refund. The final teams, including reserves who will not travel, will be announced after the second camp.

The estimated cost of the tour is R67 500 per player, covering flights, accommodation, kit, medical expenses, meals, coaches and managers. Training camp costs are additional.

Payments towards the tour are scheduled in instalments from December 2026 to June 2027, ranging from R5 000 to R12 500 per month.

Family appeals for community support

The family describes themselves as self-funded and is appealing to the community to help Kamryn take up the opportunity she has worked so hard for.

The total fundraising target is R74 500, covering the estimated R67 500 tour cost and R7 000 for the first two training camps. Contributions of any size will help the family meet the costs and, most importantly, the immediate deadline.

A BackaBuddy campaign, Help Kamryn Wear the Green & Gold in Ireland, has been set up to assist with the fundraising.

Those wishing to support the family can also contact Jolene on 060 971 0791 or Ezra on 076 598 1632.

With the November 16 deadline fast approaching, the family is hoping the community will help Kamryn keep her opportunity alive.

For Kamryn, the dream is to take her love of touch rugby beyond the local field and represent her country on an international stage.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.