Leeds School Champions Education Through Soccer and Community Clean Up
By Thembi Moyo
The spirit of sport and education came together this past weekend as Leeds Primary and High School hosted a community soccer outreach tournament at Barnato High School grounds. The event drew more than 20 teams from across the Berea area, featuring both under-11 and under-15 age divisions.
The initiative, themed around the partnership between sport and learning, offered participating children more than just a chance to compete. Leeds School announced that 2 best players from the tournament will receive full bursary school fees for the entire 2026 academic year, and 20 players will receive 50% payment of school fees for the whole year 2026.Reinforcing the school’s commitment to education through sport.
“Education and sports must go hand in hand. A soccer career is short, so we encourage our young people to balance football with schooling,” said a representative of the school.
Beyond the matches, the event also included a community clean-up campaign, reminding participants and spectators of the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
In a tightly contested under-15 final, Real Changers edged out Platinum with a 1–0 victory. Meanwhile, in the under-11 division, Berea Saint Gauteng (BSG) secured their title with a 1–0 win over Platinum. Winners celebrated with trophies and medals, with organisers ensuring every team left with recognition for their participation.
The success of the tournament was made possible through collaborations with several partners, including Lovelife, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Hillbrow Police Station, Bad Boys Security, Pikitup, University of Johannesburg (UJ), Hillbrow Radio and Inner-City Gazette Community Newspaper. Their involvement not only ensured safety and smooth operations but also highlighted the power of collective action in uplifting young people.
Organisers hope the tournament will grow into an annual event, giving more young athletes opportunities to shine both on and off the field.
“Soccer can open doors, but education keeps them open,” the organisers stressed, urging learners to focus on both their sporting ambitions and academic journeys.
