Seen Here: Young netball players from participating schools enjoy a day of fun, learning and friendly competition during the PEP Mini Netball Festival at Laerskool Wynland in Worcester. Held in celebration of Women’s Month, the festival forms part of PEP’s ongoing commitment to empowering young girls through sport while promoting teamwork, confidence and leadership. Photo Credit: Supplied
WORCESTER, SOUTH AFRICA – Hundreds of aspiring young netball players took to the courts at Laerskool Wynland in Worcester on Saturday, 1 August 2026, as PEP continued its commitment to empowering girls through sport by hosting another successful PEP Mini Netball Festival.
The festival brought together learners from participating schools for a vibrant morning of friendly competition, skills development and teamwork, reinforcing the role of sport in shaping confident, resilient and empowered young women.
Held from 08:00 to 13:00, the event featured a series of interactive coaching sessions, fun-filled activities and exciting netball matches, creating an inclusive environment where young players could improve their abilities while building lasting friendships.
Empowering Girls Through Sport
Coinciding with the start of Women’s Month, the festival celebrated the power of sport as a catalyst for personal growth and leadership among young girls.
Beyond developing sporting talent, the initiative focused on instilling confidence, encouraging teamwork and nurturing leadership qualities that extend beyond the netball court.
By creating opportunities for girls to participate in organised sport from an early age, PEP continues to champion values that contribute to lifelong personal development and community engagement.
Investing in Grassroots Netball
The Worcester festival forms part of the nationwide PEP Mini Netball programme, an initiative designed to strengthen grassroots netball while increasing participation among young girls across South Africa.
The programme has become an important platform for introducing learners to structured competition, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Through regular festivals hosted in communities around the country, PEP is helping to nurture the next generation of netball players while promoting healthy lifestyles and active participation in sport.
Seen Here: Budding netball stars showcase their skills on court during the PEP Mini Netball Festival hosted by PEP at Laerskool Wynland in Worcester on 1 August 2026. The nationwide grassroots initiative continues to inspire the next generation of young girls by creating opportunities to grow through sport, build self-confidence and develop a lifelong passion for netball. Photo Credit: Supplied
Building More Than Athletes
While the day featured plenty of exciting on-court action, organisers emphasised that the programme’s greatest success lies in the life skills participants gain through sport.
By encouraging discipline, communication, respect and perseverance, the PEP Mini Netball Festival equips young girls with valuable tools that will benefit them both on and off the court.
The initiative also creates safe spaces where participants can express themselves, build self-esteem and develop meaningful relationships with teammates and coaches.
Celebrating Women’s Month
The Worcester event served as a fitting start to Women’s Month, highlighting the importance of investing in initiatives that empower girls and create equal opportunities through sport.
As participants proudly represented their schools, the festival showcased how community partnerships and grassroots programmes can inspire the next generation to dream bigger, aim higher and believe in their potential.
A Lasting Impact
PEP’s continued investment in youth sport demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to creating positive social impact beyond its stores.
By supporting grassroots netball, the company is helping to develop not only future athletes but also future leaders who embody confidence, teamwork and resilience.
As the PEP Mini Netball programme continues its journey across South Africa, each festival leaves behind more than medals and memorable moments—it strengthens communities, inspires young girls and reinforces the belief that sport has the power to change lives.
