The dream to represent the South African under-18 touch rugby team at the Youth World Cup in England in 2023 is one within grasp for 16-year-old Jaydan Steenkamp of Macassar.
The avid Forward Foundation touchies player, who also plays scrumhalf for the 15-man under-16A team at Hoërskool Strand, was selected by the South African Touch Association (Sata) Touchboks for the tournament, but the R60 000 required to attend training camps and make the trip is a big ask.
With the support of friends, family and the community, Jaydan is confident his dream could well be a reality.
“We’ve already raised R10 000 and my wife Lougan and I have pledged R15 000,” said proud father, Jacques. “We know what this means to him. He loves the sport and has been playing since he was five years old. As parents, we want to see him live his passion and make the most of opportunities.
“We’ve hosted boerewors sales, a karaoke night and raffles, and plan to host a dinner and Christmas raffle, among others, because we want to be proactive in raising all the funds.”
Jaydan continues to make his mark with his talents on full display at the current Hot Summer of Touch series, where he plays in the Open Division, and feels privileged to have caught the eyes of the national selectors.
“I want to make the most of the experience and represent South Africa on the national stage,” he said. “I feel it will also open doors for my education, so I’m very motivated to make this happen.”
Jaydan has already attended training camps in Johannesburg and Durban, and has to attend another two in the new year before the trip to England.
“There are a lot of expenses and, if I could, I would host a fundraising event every weekend but I know money is tight in our community, and we can’t expect people to spend all the time so we try to host something every two months or so,” Jacques related.
He puts up posters advertising events and fundraising initiatives, aside from sharing them on social media.
The community is called on to support the fundraisers or donate towards a raffle prize by contacting Jacques on 079 411 4663 or lougan@ranchmeat.co.za.
