The Township Rugby Youth (TRY) Tournament is poised to make a significant impact in Gauteng’s townships by providing a unique platform for young rugby enthusiasts. The tournament, featuring 10 clubs from 10 different communities and focusing on both boys’ and girls’ teams from under 11s to under 13s, is set to bring the game of rugby to communities that have traditionally been overlooked.
Typically, rugby tournaments in the region are organised by privileged schools located in suburban areas, often leaving township scholars without access to the sport. The TRY Tournament aims to bridge this gap, ensuring that talent is unearthed and nurtured right where it resides.
Key Goals of the TRY Tournament:
- Transforming the Game: Establishing a structured and sustainable community league to build capacity and promote rugby at the grassroots level.
- Creating Pathways: Providing access to scholarships, bursaries, and better educational opportunities at schools and universities.
- Career Development: Opening doors to corporate South Africa, as well as provincial and national administrative, refereeing, and coaching positions.
- Producing Future Stars: Aspiring to develop future provincial and Springbok players.
- Training and education: Building capacity for sustainable communities by training and educating 60 Coaches, 60 referees, 60 team managers and 20 safeguarding officers in officially accredited courses.
A shining example of the tournament’s potential is seen in Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Piwokuhle Nyanda, and Aliyah Tchogna Njamen. These three young women, who began their rugby journeys in township-based clubs, have risen to represent South Africa as members of the Springbok team who recently toured Europe.
The TRY Tournament also aims to galvanize township communities around rugby, offering an alternative to the soccer-dominated sports scene. This initiative will foster a strong sense of community and provide township youth with the opportunity to express themselves through rugby.
“Our vision for the TRY Tournament is to create lasting change,” said Neville Jardine, President of Golden Lions Rugby Union. “We want to see more stories like those of Xoliswa, Piwokuhle, and Aliyah, and we believe this tournament can be the catalyst for such success.”
Comparable to prestigious tournaments like the Supersport Schools, Varsity Cup, and the Mzwandile Mali Schools Tournament in the Eastern Cape, the TRY Tournament aims to make a measurable positive impact. It also offers brands the opportunity to promote inclusion and diversity, while fostering a strong sense of community.