Kearsney College Preview of their Soccer Tournament that kicks off this week.
36 SCHOOL SOCCER TEAMS HEAD TO KEARSNEY
The third annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament kicks off this Thursday (17 July), bringing together 36 school teams and nearly 600 young soccer players from across South Africa and Botswana for a thrilling three-day showcase of youth talent and sportsmanship.
Hosted by Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill, the tournament has rapidly become a highlight on schools’ soccer calendars. This year’s competition features 16 boys’ high school teams, eight girls’ high school teams and 12 primary school teams.
Last year’s winners in the three divisions, Pinetown Boys’ High (senior boys), St Mary’s DSG (senior girls) and Merchiston Prep (junior boys), will again be taking part.
Other participating boys’ high school teams from KwaZulu-Natal are Durban High School, Glenwood High and Clifton College (Durban), Ashton Ballito, Grace College (Hilton), as well as Maqhutshana Secondary and Siyajabula High (both KwaNyuswa), with Queensburgh High and hosts Kearsney College (Highway). Gauteng schools taking part are Curro Hazeldean, Sutherland High and Trinity House Randpark; Urban Academy (Gqeberha) and Curro Somerset West (Western Cape).
Joining St Mary’s DSG from Kloof, the girls’ high school teams are Durban Girls’ High, Danville Park Girls and Sastri College (Durban), Crawford La Lucia and Ashton Ballito (North Coast), Curro Hazeldean (Pretoria) and Trinity House Randpark (Randburg).
Twelve primary school sides will join them, including Broadhurst Primary from Gaberone in Botswana.
Local teams are Highbury Prep, Hillcrest Primary, Winston Park, Atholl Heights, Westville Senior Primary, John Wesley, Ashton Ballito, Reddam Ballito and Clifton Prep; with Pelham Senior Primary and last year’s winners Merchiston travelling from Pietermaritzburg.
“We are excited to welcome players, coaches and supporters to what promises to be another exciting and competitive tournament,” said Kearsney headmaster, Patrick Lees. “The Kearsney Soccer Tournament provides a platform for young athletes to test their skills, foster school spirit and build lasting friendships through sport.”
In addition to fierce competition, the event aims to promote development in youth soccer, featuring both boys’ and girls’ teams and encouraging participation from primary and high school levels, he said.
Kearsney is grateful to Meondo Holdings for coming on board as a tournament sponsor, and also acknowledges valued support from Chemlog.
Kearsney’s Coffee Shop will remain open during the tournament, and spectators are encouraged to enjoy some thrilling games.
Fixtures and results will be on the Kearsney Events App, which is available on Google Play and iStore. SuperSport Schools will live-stream matches.
