Sun Valley, Primrose, FHPS and Ukhanyo played each other recently as part of the Barbarian under-9 rugby league – and only one of two tries separated the teams. The standard of rugby has improved markedly. Also, more girls are playing – for the first time we had five girls on the field; two in the Primrose team and three in the Ukhanyo team. And they played so well.
The dream of Barbarians FC, MasiSports and Masicorp UK of promoting real conversations and deep relationships between the teams, players, schools and parents is starting to become a reality. Barbarians can be proud that their tournament is a genuine catalyst for dynamic change within the South Peninsula. Groups of players from each school chatted to each other for 15 minutes getting to know each other’s names, ideas and stories. They will be playing against each other for the next nine years so this is the start of real friendships.
Alan Mc Kelvey from Masicorp UK, who helped initiate this project, flew out to see two of the days and was delighted with the progress. It was so good to have him here.
The South Peninsula has the potential to become a Rainbow nation, with its wonderful schools from Kommetjie to Sun Valley; Fish Hoek to Kalk Bay and Simonstown. This tournament is a start of great things to come.
This Saturday sees the final matches to be played in this wonderful series.
Thank you the Barbarians.