The fourth annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament concluded at the weekend after three days of exhilarating competition that showcased the finest schoolboy and schoolgirl football talent across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Thirty-six teams battled across three divisions in a festival that continues growing in stature and significance with each passing year.
Urban Academy from Gqeberha claimed the senior boys’ crown after travelling from the Eastern Cape to conquer 15 rivals, whilst Danville Park Girls were crowned senior girls’ champions and Highbury Prep lifted the primary boys’ trophy following impressive tournament campaigns.
Expanding reach and growing quality
The tournament featured 16 boys’ high school teams, six girls’ high school squads and 12 primary school sides, with hundreds of young footballers experiencing elite-level competition designed to promote soccer development whilst fostering camaraderie and healthy rivalry.
Glenwood High School finished runners-up to Urban Academy in the senior boys’ division, with Maritzburg College claiming third place and Durban High School winning the plate competition. The girls’ division saw Ashton International College Ballito finish second behind Danville Park, whilst Trinityhouse Randpark claimed third.
Highbury Preparatory’s primary school triumph came ahead of Merchiston Prep in second and Hillcrest Primary in third, with Westville Senior Primary winning the plate.
Best XI selections honour excellence
Tournament organisers selected Best XI teams across all three divisions, recognising outstanding individual performances. The senior boys’ team featured talent from across competing schools, including multiple Urban Academy and local players who caught selectors’ eyes.
The girls’ Best XI showcased emerging talent from St Mary’s, Trinityhouse, St Henry’s, Ashton and Danville Park, whilst the primary boys’ selection expanded to 12 players due to overwhelming quality on display.
Building friendships beyond competition
Beyond silverware and selection honours, the tournament provides young players opportunities to forge friendships across schools and regions – connections that extend well beyond school years into adulthood.
Kearsney expressed gratitude to headline sponsor Kaleido Westown and merchandise sponsor Eczemax for supporting this year’s event, which has firmly established itself as a cornerstone fixture in South African schools’ football calendar.
With quality improving annually and participation expanding, the Kearsney Soccer Tournament’s future burns bright indeed.
