A Crawford International Sandton learner is using her love for Touch Rugby to help ensure that financial hardship does not prevent talented young players from representing Gauteng.

Grade 11 learner Tahseen Chopdat, who has played Touch Rugby since Grade 8, launched the Play It Forward initiative after seeing fellow players miss out on tournaments because they could not afford the required fees.

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Tahseen was selected to represent Gauteng at the upcoming IPTs, an achievement she describes as a great honour, particularly after recently returning from injury.

“Being able to represent my province again has honestly been a driving force in what has gotten me through,” she says.

However, her own selection also highlighted the financial challenges faced by other players across the province. With players coming from different backgrounds and parts of Gauteng, Tahseen said not everyone has the financial means to participate in the sport.

“Touch is a pay-to-play sport. Many underprivileged players who are extremely talented and get chosen aren’t able to pay the fees,” she said.

She added that even families who may not necessarily be considered underprivileged are struggling with the current economic climate. The biggest expense is the tournament fee, which can prevent players from taking part despite earning their place on the team.

Tahseen said the idea for Play It Forward came after she witnessed this firsthand last year, when U15 and U19 teams were unable to participate because some players could not cover their fees.

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“A lot of my friends were on those teams. Going to a tournament and seeing your own friends not being able to play due to financial constraints was honestly something that touched my heart. I wanted to bridge that gap and make it more accessible, allowing every player to play.”

Drive to support players

The initiative saw Tahseen organise a fundraising tournament at Crawford International Sandton. The event was postponed because of bad weather, but the fundraising effort has continued.

So far, the initiative has raised R10 450, with about 12 players still requiring financial assistance. Each player needs about R2 000 to cover their participation costs.

Tahseen hopes the community will continue supporting the initiative, even if it means helping just one player reach the tournament.

“It’s not about doing it for the recognition. I wanted to make an impact directly on these players. I’ve seen it first-hand, and I don’t want to see more teams not being able to play.”

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For Tahseen, the initiative is also about recognising the privilege that comes with having access to opportunities others may not have.

“We’ve been blessed and put in such a privileged position. We shouldn’t let that goodness just stop with us. We should play it forward and help the next person,” she says.

Touch Rugby coach and Crawford teacher Thabo Motsumi said he was proud of Tahseen for turning her concern into action.

“We are in a privileged situation here. However, to still take the initiative, think about how you can help people and add value, and then go through the headaches of realising how hard it is, has shown true leadership.”

Motsumi said Tahseen’s determination to continue despite challenges demonstrated her growth and leadership qualities.

“She’s gone above and beyond and raised over R10 000 now, with the help of other people, family members and some other schools that are joining in,” he said.

The IPTs are scheduled to take place at the end of September, and the team is hoping to raise enough money to ensure that every selected player can take part.

Members of the community, businesses and potential sponsors who would like to contribute can support the Play It Forward initiative by donating towards the tournament fees.

Tahseen said banking details and the correct reference for donations can be provided to interested supporters.

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