A new international youth sports initiative is making its South African debut this week, with Cape Town’s Nyanga community chosen as the starting point for a programme designed to inspire young athletes through sport.
Called Dream to Play, the initiative will launch on Wednesday with a football clinic before expanding into a year-round series of events across South Africa.
The programme has been introduced by Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), with the organisation planning to take the concept beyond South Africa and into other markets around the world.
Nyanga Set to Host the First Clinic
The inaugural Dream to Play event will bring together up to 100 young participants for a half-day football clinic.
Young players will have the opportunity to work with professional coaches from Nkala FTBL, with the programme combining technical training with position-specific coaching.
The youngsters will also take part in question-and-answer sessions and mentorship activities, giving them an opportunity to engage with coaches and learn more about the possibilities that sport can create.
For RNSI, the objective extends beyond simply developing football skills.
The initiative is intended to give young people access to positive sporting experiences while encouraging them to believe in their potential both on and off the field.
RNSI Wants Sport to Create Opportunities
Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, said the organisation wanted to expand its community work through a more structured programme.
South Africa was selected as the launch market before Dream to Play is introduced in other countries where RNSI operates.
The broader vision is to use sport as a vehicle for inspiration, opportunity and personal development.
That means the clinics are designed to provide more than a few hours of coaching, with mentorship and interaction forming an important part of the experience.
Local Partners Join the Initiative
Dream to Play is also being supported by several South African brands and organisations.
Nando’s will provide catering for participants, while Thirsti will supply hydration for the clinic.
Wellness Warehouse, Nike and Softconstruct SA are also involved, contributing towards elements such as equipment, kit and footballs.
The involvement of these partners is intended to help create a full experience for the young participants while supporting the practical needs of the programme.
The Bigger Vision Behind Dream to Play
Grant Veitch, RNSI’s Director of African Football Recruitment, said the initiative is focused on creating tangible opportunities for young people and helping them believe their sporting ambitions are achievable.
Starting in Nyanga is particularly significant because the organisers want Dream to Play to have a direct connection with local communities.
The Cape Town clinic is therefore being positioned as the first stage of a much larger South African programme rather than an isolated activation.
Football, Rugby and Basketball on the Roadmap
One of the most important elements of Dream to Play is its long-term structure.
Rather than operating as a once-off event, the programme is planned as a year-round roadshow taking place every three to four months.
The clinics will rotate between three major sporting codes — football, rugby and basketball — allowing the initiative to reach young athletes with different interests and ambitions.
That approach could also help the programme build a wider sporting footprint across South Africa as future venues are selected.
Nkala FTBL Ready for Opening Day
Nkala FTBL will play a central role in the first clinic, with Lwazi Mlonyeni serving as the lead coach.
Mlonyeni described the opportunity to work with RNSI and the young people of Nyanga as a significant one for the coaching organisation.
The focus, he explained, will be on making the experience meaningful for the youngsters involved while helping launch an initiative that could have a lasting impact.
For the participants, Wednesday represents an opportunity to learn, compete and interact with experienced coaches.
For Dream to Play, it marks the beginning of a much bigger journey.
Could Dream to Play help create more sporting opportunities for young talent across South Africa?
