The Discovery Alex Primary School Soccer League championship is heating up, with schools in Alexandra eagerly anticipating the semi-finals and finals on Wednesday, November 6th.
This league, sponsored by Discovery, has been a weekly highlight for local primary schools over the past eight weeks. Established in 2013, the Discovery Alex Primary School Soccer League forms part of the Discovery Johannesburg Primary Schools Soccer Programme, which aims to foster community engagement and healthier living among young students. It aligns with Discovery’s core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing their lives.
Deon Curtis, senior manager at Discovery Sponsorships, emphasizes the program's role in promoting health and community spirit. With 400 players from 12 primary schools participating annually, the league has become a significant community event. It culminates in a grand championship, showcasing the top teams in both male and female divisions.
The public can join the excitement at Alex Stadium from 13:00 to 15:30 on November 6th, with an awards ceremony following the matches. Notably, some participants have progressed to teams like the Blue Birds Ladies Academy and senior leagues, highlighting the incredible talent of young athletes.
The league is a huge collaborative effort, with around 40 educators involved in coaching players and running the Discovery Alex Primary School Soccer League Programme. The league is endorsed by the district and national departments of basic education and sports, and other partners include local football associations and City of Joburg.
At the start of the league, Discovery provides each school with two sets of soccer kits, consisting of 30 kits for the individual players in the girls’ and boys’ division.
In addition to primary school tournaments, Discovery's program extends to high schools, engaging over 1,000 players aged 14 to 19. The final event is a much-anticipated spectacle, drawing over 500 spectators. Schools also benefit from healthy meals provided by Discovery Vitality partner, Nando’s.
Following the event, the schools will select 15 of the best players from each division to take part in the Discovery Festival next year.
Last year’s winner in the girls soccer division was Zenzeleni Primary sand Dr Knack Primary won the boys division.