– As the Discovery Schools Soccer programme enters its 17th year of using football to promote health, wellness and youth development, the programme continues to grow its footprint across Johannesburg, creating opportunities for young people to participate, develop and thrive through sport.
Since its inception in 2009, Discovery Schools Soccer has become one of Johannesburg’s leading youth football development platforms, reaching more than 860 schools and 100 000 young participants. The programme provides structured opportunities for primary and high school boys and girls to participate in competitive football, while strengthening the broader sporting ecosystem through the development of coaches, with thousands of coaches upskilled to date.
While football is at the heart of the programme, its impact extends well beyond the pitch. Discovery Schools Soccer uses the power of sport to encourage healthier lifestyles while developing important values such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and resilience – skills that can benefit young people both on and off the field.
A key fixture on the Discovery Schools Soccer calendar is the Discovery Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup, which brings together thousands of young footballers each year. The competition not only provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities, but also creates opportunities for mentorship, community engagement and personal development.
“The journey of Discovery Schools Soccer over the past 16 years has been incredibly rewarding,” says Celeste Williams, Head of Sponsorships at Discovery. “Through our shared love of football, we have been able to encourage young people to be more active and make healthier choices, while creating opportunities for them to develop important life skills. When we launched the programme in 2009, we wanted to play our part in helping to shape future leaders and contribute to building stronger, healthier and more connected communities. Seeing the programme continue to grow and positively impact thousands of young people is testament to the power of sport to create meaningful and lasting change.”
The 2026 Discovery Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals will take place on 17 September at Reddam House, Bedfordview, with the best young players competing across the U14, U15, U16 and U19 age groups as they battle for tournament honours.
The excitement continues beyond the Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup, with the Discovery JVW Girls Schools League taking place from 17–18 October. The tournament further supports the continued development of girls’ football by providing high school athletes with greater opportunities, exposure and confidence to pursue the sport at a higher level.
Rounding off the 2026 Discovery Schools Soccer calendar is the seven-week Discovery Alex Schools League, which will be hosted at the 3 Square Sports Stadium in Alexandra. Catering for U13 boys and girls, the league provides an inclusive and competitive environment where young players can develop their football skills, build confidence and experience the benefits of being active.
The 2026 Discovery Schools Soccer portfolio features six competitions, offering young footballers opportunities to compete and develop throughout the year:
- Discovery Boys Festival – 13–15 May, University of Johannesburg
- Discovery Girls Festival – 30 May, Rivonia Primary School
- Primary Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals – 25 June, University of Johannesburg
- Discovery Boys High Schools Knock-Out Cup Finals – 17 September, Reddam House, Bedfordview
- Discovery JVW Girls Schools League – 17–18 October, Waterstone College, Johannesburg
- Discovery Alex Schools League – 2 September – 28 October
With free entry to all competitions, spectators are invited to come out and support the next generation of football talent.
