Discovery Schools Soccer celebrates 15 years of impact as 2025 season gathers pace

Johannesburg,13 June 2025 – This year, the Discovery Schools Soccer programme celebrates 15 years of promoting health and wellness among South African youth through soccer. Since its inception in 2009, Discovery Schools Soccer has grown into one of South Africa’s most inspiring youth sport development platforms.

The initiative includes primary and high school tournaments for boys and girls across Johannesburg, providing them with opportunities to not only compete and be active, but to grow and prepare for life beyond the pitch.

The public and media are warmly invited to attend matches, which are free to attend. Keep an eye out here for match details and locations as they are updated. Schools interested in participating in the Discovery Schools Soccer programme can reach out to the relevant tournament representatives here.

The 2025 season kicked off in May with the Discovery Boys Festival held at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium. With an initial 113 schools entering in the regional selection, the selection was narrowed down to 13 teams that were chosen to compete for a chance to get scouted.

By the end of the competitive three days, 45 Players were selected to represent Southerns, Northerns & Wits at the esteemed JPSFA Bill Stewart Tournament. The season turns next to the much-anticipated Discovery Girls Festival on 14 June at Crawford Sandton.

The line up of 2025 Discovery Schools Soccer Fixtures include:

• Discovery Girls Festival – 14 June at Crawford Sandton

• Primary Schools Knock-Out Cup Semi-Finals – 16–20 June

• Primary Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals – 25 June

• Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup Preliminary Rounds – 8–12 September

• Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals – 18 September

• JVW High Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals – 27–28 September

The Boys and Girls Festivals showcase the best in primary school soccer with regional teams made up of selected players from over 60 schools to compete in a single day event.

The Knock-Out Cup tournaments are exciting multi-day events where roughly 50 schools compete for the coveted trophies. And the Discovery Alex Schools League for girls and boys under 13 runs for 7 weeks towards the end of the year at the 3 Square Sports Stadium in Alexandra.

As highlighted in this video, the programme’s impact goes beyond the field. It also focuses on upskilling coaches, connecting communities by bringing schools together, and encourages physical activity. It boasts a wide reach, with over 66,000 learners having participated in the Knock-Out Cup alone.

“Every journey has a beginning, and ours with Discovery Schools Soccer began in 2009, rooted in Discovery’s core purpose: to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives,” says Celeste Williams, Head of Sponsorships at Discovery. “Soccer offers young people valuable lessons in resilience, respect, and teamwork—qualities that serve them well both on and off the field. By supporting this initiative, we aim to contribute to the growth of future leaders and help build a stronger foundation for our country.”