ST FRANCIS BAY – For the boys of St Francis United, football is where it starts, but it is certainly not where it ends.
The local club has been recognised by the Kouga Municipality with an Environmental Award, acknowledging its commitment to teaching young players about conservation, protecting the coastline and developing a sense of responsibility for the community they call home.
The recognition reflects a programme that combines football with practical life lessons, helping young people grow both on and off the field.
A partnership with purpose
For the past two years, SUPERSPAR Village Square, St Francis Bay, has selected St Francis United as its preferred community organisation to support during 2026. The partnership was built on a shared belief that investing in young people should extend beyond providing sporting opportunities.
Instead, the focus has been on creating experiences that build confidence, develop character and encourage the boys to become active custodians of the environment.
Over the last two years, the team has regularly taken part in environmental clean-ups, hosted educational outings and community activities that introduce the team to the rich natural and maritime heritage of St Francis.
Learning from the community
The programme has taken the boys well beyond the football pitch.
Visits to the Shipwreck Museum, guided walks along the Wildside coastline, tours of the lighthouse precinct and the Osprey wreck as well as time spent at the Port of St Francis, have given the boys a deeper understanding of the area’s history, fishing industry, ocean economy and marine environment.
Support from organisations such as the Kromme Enviro-Trust, the NSRI and members of the local fishing community has also helped bring these experiences to life.
Building young men
Richard Moolman, owner of SUPERSPAR Village Square, says supporting St Francis United has always been about much more than football.
“Community investment should leave a lasting legacy. Matt and his team are helping these young men grow into responsible members of our community. Football opens the door, but the lessons they are learning about respect, teamwork and looking after the environment will stay with them long after the final whistle.”
Club owner Matt Davies says the award belongs to every player who has embraced the programme.
“We want these boys to understand that they have a responsibility to care for the place where they live.
“Football gives us the opportunity to bring them together, but every outing, every clean-up and every conversation helps shape the kind of people they will become. This award belongs to the boys because they have taken that message to heart.”
A win for the whole community
The Environmental Award is recognition of what can be achieved when local businesses, community organisations and volunteers work together.
For St Francis United, success is no longer measured only by results on a scoreboard.
It is also reflected in young people who understand the value of protecting their environment, respecting their community and taking pride in where they live.
In a town where the coastline, rivers and natural beauty define everyday life, those may prove to be the most important victories of all.
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