Kimberley soccer tournament aims to empower youth, beautify community spaces

Danie van der Lith|Published 7 months ago

The event features eight local soccer teams. Picture: Facebook

KIMBERLEY is hosting a week-long soccer tournament organised by the NPO Women Waging War on GBVF, Abuse, Inequality and Poverty, alongside passionate local community members.

The event, featuring eight local soccer teams, is taking place from September 21 to 27 at the Madrid Grounds in Kimberley. A nominal fee of R10 is requested to support and enjoy the games featuring these teams.

This initiative, which includes divisions for Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 players, is more than just a sporting competition. It seeks to uplift local youth through the power of football while also addressing broader community issues such as inequality and the preservation of public spaces.

The tournament will give young athletes the chance to display their talents and develop leadership skills, but its impact reaches beyond the field. The organisers aim to engage the wider Kimberley community in beautifying and preserving local sports grounds. They are calling on residents to participate in clean-up and maintenance efforts, including at Madrid Grounds, ensuring that these spaces can continue to serve as hubs for youth development and community unity.

A special Heritage Day celebration on September 24 will add cultural significance to the event, highlighting the strength and resilience that can be built through community collaboration.

"This tournament is about more than football. It’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in our community and eradicating the look and feel of poverty and inequality," said the event organisers. "By coming together, we can create safe, welcoming environments where children and youth can thrive."

The event encourages everyone in Kimberley to get involved, whether by attending the tournament, volunteering in the beautification efforts, or simply supporting the initiative. The hope is that, through collective action, the Madrid Grounds will become a symbol of growth, learning, and empowerment for future generations.