For 56 young Border players, the Junior Inter-Provincial Touch Rugby Tournament in Alberton will be about more than competing for results.
It will be an opportunity to build confidence, test their abilities and showcase the growing talent in the region.
The players, included in four Border teams — U19A, U17A, U17B and U15A — will travel to Alberton from September 25.
Their preparations began with trials in June, followed by regular training sessions.
Vice chair Asemahle Mabona told the Go! on Wednesday the players had worked hard, with joint sessions bringing together players from KuGompo City and Qonce to build combinations and strengthen teamwork.
“We have focused a lot on fitness, skills, communication and teamwork,” said Mabona.
She said the progress had been encouraging, with players beginning to understand one another better on the field and growing in confidence.
Border Touch Association chair Ingrid Wylde said travelling to tournaments helped players gain confidence, believe in themselves, receive recognition at their schools and realise their potential.
“Travel always broadens the mind,” said Wylde.
But behind the excitement of the upcoming tournament is a major obstacle: funding.
Many of the players come from financially struggling households, making transport costs difficult to meet.
The association also faces challenges providing suitable equipment, with some players struggling to afford boots.
Wylde said some players’ boots were so worn they had to be taped together.
The team’s kit is another concern, with a mixture of different kits currently being used by the players, with some shirts showing signs of wear.
“We really need a sponsor to help us with new kit,” Wylde said.
Mabona said travelling to Johannesburg also brought costs for transport, accommodation, tournament fees, meals and other necessities, with much of the financial responsibility falling on players and their families.
Despite these challenges, the players have remained committed to their preparations.
Wylde said the sport taught valuable ball skills, speed and peripheral vision, which benefitted players who participated in contact rugby.
“We hope to see junior touch rugby grow in KuGompo, both as a sport and as a development opportunity for young people.”
Border Touch also provides off-season training for contact rugby players, while offering an alternative sporting environment for youngsters who do not participate in contact sports.
“It is fun, social, creates a sense of belonging and gives kids something to look forward to,” said Wylde.
The association’s ambitions extend beyond Alberton, with hopes of eventually seeing some of its young players selected to represent SA at the 2028 Touch World Cup in New Zealand.
Mabona said hosting the Junior Inter-Provincial Tournament in KuGompo next year would give the sport an even greater boost by exposing more young people to touch rugby, while also reducing travel costs and allowing local players to compete in front of their families and communities.
