Soshanguve youth club pedals hope and purpose into the community

Since its founding in 2011, the Soshanguve Youth Cycling Club has been more than just a sports initiative.

It has become a beacon of hope, discipline, and community empowerment.

Spearheaded by Thandi Skosana, the club’s manager, the initiative was launched to offer young people in Soshanguve a constructive alternative to the challenges of township life, including crime, drugs, and unemployment.

Skosana said what began with a few bicycles and a strong desire to keep kids off the streets has grown into a dynamic multi-sport programme.

The club initially offered soccer, netball, basketball, and athletics, but over time, cycling became the central focus.

With both mountain biking and road cycling in place, the club recently introduced BMX to further expand opportunities for engagement and development.

The heart of the club’s mission lies in using sport as a vehicle to uplift youth.

“It was never just about cycling. It was about giving kids something to look forward to, something positive to belong to.

“Through structured training, mentorship, and a strong sense of community, the club helps its members build self-esteem, discipline, and life skills that go far beyond sport,” said Skosana.

She said every child who joins the club becomes part of a larger family, a network of peers and mentors who support each other and grow together.

Training sessions are filled with encouragement, laughter, and lessons in perseverance.

While some kids dream of competing at higher levels, many find value simply in being part of something meaningful.

The club’s recent addition of BMX, inspired by community leader Andre De Lange and supported by Gauteng North Cycling, reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusion.

Skosana said it provides a fun, fast-paced environment that appeals to younger members and introduces a new level of skill and excitement.

Children have been responding positively and are forming strong bonds through shared challenges and triumphs.

While the club has made incredible strides, it continues to face common challenges of grassroots initiatives, including limited equipment, inadequate training spaces, and funding.

“BMX, in particular, requires specialised gear and safe tracks, which are still being developed,” said Skosana.

“Support in the form of donations, sponsorships, volunteer coaching, and government backing would significantly boost the club’s capacity to grow.”

Skosana envisions a thriving future, a club with its own facilities, a team of competitive riders, and a reputation as a centre of youth development in Gauteng.

“More importantly, we see a generation of young people empowered with confidence, purpose, and dreams that reach far beyond their circumstances.

“You don’t need to be an athlete to join. Just show up, be willing to learn, and know that there’s a place for you here.”

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