Sport

Phillip Wilkinson Foundation community sports initiative gets under way in Kimberley

Danie van der Lith|Published

With the rallying call, “Altering our circumstances through active citizenry”, the Phillip Wilkinson Foundation will officially launch its community-based youth upliftment programme from April 25 to 27 2025 at the Colville Soccer Field, starting at 11am each day.

Image: WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

The Phillip Wilkinson Foundation (PWF), in partnership with the Northern Cape Sport Confederation, is taking bold steps to alter the social landscape of Kimberley’s most vulnerable communities. 

With the rallying call, “Altering our circumstances through active citizenry”, the Foundation will officially launch its community-based youth upliftment programme from April 25 to 27 2025 at the Colville Soccer Field, starting at 11am each day.

The PWF initiative aims to restore hope in Colville, Floors, and surrounding areas by tackling social ills such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and alcohol dependency. Through a comprehensive sports development programme, young people will be introduced to soccer, hockey, netball, and rugby, with the goal of nurturing talent and creating a structured career path in sport.

“We are creating a corridor of safety through our collective efforts to prevent moral degeneration and give every child an opportunity to realise their dreams,” said Farrell Moses, President of the Phillip Wilkinson Foundation. 

“This is about more than just sport – it’s about dignity, discipline, and a sense of belonging.”

A Vision for Change

The vision of the PWF is clear: to restore moral values and establish a safe, united community through sport and education. The Foundation’s mission emphasises discipline, respect, and integrity – principles that it believes are essential for social transformation.

“We want to infuse our communities with the values that once held us together,” added Moses. “Our thoughts must translate into real, measurable impact. That’s why we’ve created this vehicle for social cohesion – a project rooted in purpose, vision, and persistence.”

Programme Highlights

The weekend programme promises more than just sports fixtures. It will include:

  • Sports clinics and coaching sessions for boys and girls in all four codes
  • Life skills workshops that focus on education, career development, and character building
  • Community dialogues to raise awareness around drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence
  • Elder appreciation segments, reinforcing respect for senior citizens as carriers of wisdom and tradition

Through these efforts, the Foundation aims to instil a sense of pride and purpose in young people, reminding them that they are part of something greater – a community that believes in their potential.

Working Within the Community

The PWF will operate at a grassroots level, specifically targeting disadvantaged areas where poverty, lack of opportunity, and crime have had a devastating impact. By identifying young talent and mentoring them, the Foundation hopes to create tangible change.

“We will not stand by while our children are lost to drugs or crime,” said Moses. “This programme will give them a reason to believe in themselves again. It will build future leaders who can take this mission forward.”

The collaboration with the Northern Cape Sport Confederation ensures that the initiative will be supported by experienced professionals, structured leagues, and long-term development plans.

An Invitation to All

Residents of Colville, Floors, and surrounding communities are encouraged to come out in their numbers and support the launch. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or elder – your presence matters.

“This is not just our project; it belongs to the people,” said Moses. “We are extending a heartfelt invitation to everyone who cares about our youth. Help us get them off the streets and back onto the sports fields, where they belong.”

Event Details:

  • Dates: April 25-27 2025
  • Venue: Colville Soccer Field, Kimberley
  • Time: Starting at 11am each day
  • For more information, interested parties are invited to visit the event in person.

The Foundation believes that real change begins at the grassroots level, and this initiative is a powerful example of what happens when vision meets community action. With sport as the cornerstone, the Phillip Wilkinson Foundation is building a better future – one child, one team, and one community at a time.