After a workshop for coaches, referees and managers the JFFC Community Football Federation kicked off its 2026 tournament season in Hawston on 28 February 2026. The opening soccer day welcomed 540 young players, with parents and supporters bringing the total attendance to nearly 1 000.
The tournament welcomed players from junior primary school through to high school, giving young footballers – especially those from schools that don’t offer the sport -a chance to play.
One only has to look at the photos of the youngsters enjoying their football to see the joy the game brings and how it builds bridges between communities.
The next soccer day will take place on 21 March in Elgin, followed by Tournament #3 on 11 April 2026 in Hawston, hosted by Hawston Football Club. Tournament #4 will be held on 2 May in Bredasdorp, followed by 23 May in Mount Pleasant, 13 June at Spaces for Sport in Gansbaai, 4 July in Botrivier, and 1 August – Awards Day at the Thusong Centre in Hawston.
Grant Gillion, a senior inspector in the Municipal Law Enforcement team and part of Hawston Football Club, said many of the club’s players come from Hawston, Mount Pleasant and Zwelihle. He added that for many young people, football provides a positive outlet to stay active, focused and away from crime.
Another Overstrander who is helping to improve refereeing and nurture young players at club level is Aaron van Schalkwyk from Mount Pleasant. He is also a founding member of Blue Ocean Dynamic, that hosts the JFFC, and part of the AVS Referee Academy.
The Overstrand Municipality continues to support local sports clubs by providing facilities and encouraging residents to make use of these spaces. We wish the JFFC Tournament good weather and many enthusiastic young players ready to learn, play, and enjoy the game.
