Cultural Affairs and Sport

Football development in the Western Cape is a commitment that goes beyond mere funding, but speaks to our collective vision of harnessing sport as a catalyst for social cohesion, youth empowerment, and community upliftment.

1. Funding Support (2023/24 – 2025/26): Investing in the Future of Football

Over the past three financial years, this government has allocated more than R16 million to football structures across the province. This investment is not just about numbers It is about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and ensuring that every young footballer, regardless of their background, has a fair chance to succeed.

1. Football Club Support (R5,939,384.48)

• 98 clubs have been supported with critical resources, including equipment, transport, and registration fees.
• Key allocations:
  • R3.02 million for transport, ensuring that players from marginalized communities can travel to competitions with dignity.
  • R1.37 million for equipment and attire, because no child should be excluded from the game due to a lack of proper gear.

2. District Funding (Client Support Transfer Funding) (R540,000)

• Targeted investments in regions like Cape Town (R170,000), Cape Winelands (R150,000), and emerging areas such as the Central Karoo (R100,000).
• This funding ensures that football development is not concentrated in urban hubs alone but reaches every corner of our province, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity.

3. Infrastructure Development (R8,019,272.37)

• Van Zyl Sport Grounds (SAFA Cape Winelands):
  • R7.4 million for a state-of-the-art multi-purpose field with an irrigation system, ensuring year-round playability.
  • R619,272 for upgrading cloakrooms, because athletes deserve facilities that match their dedication.
• These projects are more than about just bricks and mortar. They are about job creation during construction and long-term community use, ensuring that facilities serve as safe spaces and hubs for social and sporting development.

4. High-Performance Programmes (R5,714,000)

• 2023/24 (R2.43 million): Provincial playoffs, national games, and CAF D License coaching courses - laying the foundation for excellence.
• 2024/25 (R1.59 million): U15 championships and district activations, where 1,152 young athletes showcased their talent.
• 2025/26 (R1.69 million): CAF training camps and Durban Winter Games, providing our athletes with exposure to national and international competition.

5. Major Events (R729,826)

• Support for iconic events like the Bayhill Club Heritage Celebrations, Rygersdal Heritage Celebrations, and Bafana Bafana vs. South Sudan. These events are celebrations of our football culture and heritage, uniting communities and inspiring the next generation.

2. Developmental Support: Building a Sustainable Football Ecosystem

Funding alone cannot transform football. It requires strategic, holistic interventions. The developmental programmes in partnership with federations and clubs are designed to create a pipeline of talent, from grassroots to high performance:

1. Coaching & Education:
   • 73 coaches trained through CAF D License courses, because quality coaching is the backbone of player development.
2. Grassroots Programmes:
   • School sport activations engaging 1,152 participants in 2024/25 alone. These programmes are where future stars are discovered and nurtured.
3. Infrastructure & Logistics:
   • R3.02 million allocated to transport, medical care, and modern facilities—removing barriers to participation.
4. Competitive Pathways:
   • National and international exposure through events like the Winter Games and CAF camps, ensuring our players compete at the highest levels.
5. Community Impact:
   • Job creation through infrastructure projects and targeted support for underserved districts, because football must be a vehicle for economic empowerment.

Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action

In conclusion these investments reflect our unshakable belief in football’s power to transform lives. This requires partnerships with municipalities, schools, federations, clubs, and private stakeholders.

As we move forward, we will:

• Prioritize equitable resource distribution, ensuring no community is left behind.
• Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure funds are used effectively.
• Expand partnerships to amplify our impact.