Seen Here: Future netball stars in action! Young players from schools across the Northern Cape showcased their talent, teamwork and passion for the game as the PEP mini Netball Festival returned to Laerskool Eureka in Kimberley, celebrating grassroots sport and empowering the next generation of athletes. Photo Credit: Supplied
KIMBERLEY – The next generation of South African netball stars returned to the courts this past weekend as the PEP mini Netball Festivals resumed with the start of the third school term, bringing excitement, teamwork and grassroots development to young players in the Northern Cape.
Hosted at Laerskool Eureka in Kimberley on Saturday, 25 July, the festival welcomed learners from participating schools for a morning of friendly competition, skills development and interactive activities designed to foster a lifelong passion for the sport.
Running from 08:00 to 13:00, the event transformed the school courts into a vibrant celebration of youth sport, where hundreds of aspiring netball players showcased their talent while enjoying the spirit of teamwork and fair play.
Developing tomorrow’s netball stars
More than just a day of matches, the PEP mini Netball Festival focused on creating a positive environment where young girls could learn, grow and gain confidence both on and off the court.
Participants took part in a variety of skill-building exercises, fun games and friendly fixtures aimed at improving their understanding of the game while encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork.
The festival also provided learners with the opportunity to meet peers from other schools, strengthening friendships and reinforcing the values of discipline, respect and perseverance through sport.
Investing in grassroots development
The PEP mini Netball programme has become one of South Africa’s leading grassroots sporting initiatives, playing a vital role in introducing thousands of young girls to netball each year.
By taking the game directly into communities and schools across the country, the programme helps identify emerging talent while making sport accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds.
The initiative also supports the long-term growth of South African netball by creating pathways for young athletes to develop their skills from an early age.
Seen Here: Growing the game, one pass at a time. The PEP mini Netball Festival provided a fun, supportive environment where young girls built confidence, developed their skills and discovered the joy of netball as the third school term got underway in Kimberley. Photo Credit: Supplied
Building confidence through sport
Beyond developing sporting ability, the festivals place a strong emphasis on personal growth.
Young players are encouraged to build self-confidence, embrace teamwork and discover the joy of healthy competition in a safe and supportive environment.
For many participants, the festivals serve as their first experience of organised netball, inspiring dreams of one day representing their schools, provinces and even the national team.
More festivals to follow
The Kimberley festival marks the beginning of another exciting term of PEP mini Netball Festivals, with similar events expected to take place in communities across South Africa in the coming months.
As the programme continues to expand its reach, it remains committed to empowering young girls through sport while strengthening the future of South African netball from the grassroots level.
With enthusiasm, talent and determination on full display in Kimberley, the new school term has begun on a winning note, proving once again that the journey to future netball success starts on community courts.
