There is something truly special happening on the football fields of the Overberg, and it goes far beyond goals and trophies.
The JFFC Community Football Federation (JFFC) has kicked off its 2026 youth tournament season in spectacular fashion – and if the opening round in Hawston is anything to go by, this year promises to be the biggest and most exciting season yet.
The 2026 season got underway on 28 February in Hawston, with a jaw-dropping turnout that exceeded all expectations. A remarkable 540 young players flooded the field, representing clubs and communities from across the Overberg, while close to 1 000 spectators lined the sidelines to cheer them on – transforming the day into a vibrant festival of grassroots football.
From junior primary school pupils lacing up their boots for the first time, to high school students showcasing refined skills honed through seasons of competitive play, every age group brought energy, passion and plenty of exciting football to the field.
JFFC Community Football Federation is no ordinary sports organisation. At its heart lies a powerful mission – to use football as a force for good in communities across the Overberg. Grant Gillion, speaking on behalf of the federation, captured the spirit of the tournament perfectly: “For many young people, football provides a positive outlet to stay active, focused and away from crime.”Many of the players taking part come from the communities of Hawston, Mount Pleasant and Zwelihle – areas where organised sport can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people. The JFFC tournament not only gives players the opportunity to compete, but also focuses on developing coaches, referees and club managers – building the entire football ecosystem from the ground up.The tournament also carries a strong message of social cohesion, building bridges between communities and bringing people together through their shared love of the game.
With several exciting tournament dates still to come, there is much for players, coaches and supporters to look forward to: 23 May ( Mount Pleasant), 13 June (Spaces for Sport, Gansbaai) and 4 July (Botrivier).
Hermanus Sport Board
On Saturday and Sunday during the Hermanus Sport Board League the local team of Zwelihle, The Bombers played against City Bugs, Sunrise played against Young Ideas, Golden Boys played against Techno, Shooting Stars played against GG, Amaviyviyo played against Xhora Celtics and Happy Brothers played against Vutha. On Sunday Sunrise played against the Bombers, Shooting Stars against Young Ideas, Black Lion against City Bucks, Xhora Celtics against GG, Vutha against Amaviyoviyo and Happy Brothers against Golden Boys.
The Hermanus Sport Board League continues to be one of the most important platforms for local football in the Overberg. Week in and week out, players who might otherwise have no competitive outlet pull on their boots and pour everything they have into representing their clubs.
Rivalries in this league are healthy and spirited, but what stands out above all else is the respect between teams – the handshakes before kickoff, the embraces after the final whistle, and the shared understanding that at the end of the day, it is all about the love of football.
