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Now in its 16th year of promoting health and wellness among South African youth through soccer, the Discovery Schools Soccer programme has grown into one of South Africa’s most inspiring youth sport development platforms. In association with the Johannesburg Primary School Football Association (JPFSA), the Discovery Schools Soccer programme first started investing in schools soccer at grassroots level in 2009.
One of the sponsorships within the programme is the Discovery Alex Schools League which spans 8
Wednesdays starting on 10 September, with the much-anticipated final taking place on 5 November 2025. The 12 team boys and girls u13 tournament takes place at the @Altrec Sports Complex in Alexandra. Having first commenced in 2013, the round robin tournament has now expanded to involve school educators to help coach the players and organise the events.
The League and programme goes beyond sponsoring soccer tournaments, it’s about fostering community, promoting healthy living and creating meaningful connections through exercise, so says Head of Sponsorships at Discovery, Celeste Williams; “At Discovery, we believe that healthy habits start young – and sport is one of the most powerful ways to instil those habits. School soccer offers a unique opportunity to reach learners at a formative stage, encouraging physical activity, teamwork and resilience.
By investing in school-level football, we’re not just nurturing future athletes, we’re helping build healthier, more confident communities. It’s about creating access, excitement and long-term impact through sport.”
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Managed by the Department of Education in consultation with Forwardzone, players within the Alex League take to the field with a steely resolve, dodged determination and an unrivalled passion – knowing that dreams can come true on and off the pitch. Multiple players have progressed from this programme to play in the Sasol League Division; ABC Motsepe League and the HollywoodBets SuperLeague.
The 2025 participating teams include Dr Knack Primary School; Carter Primary School; Ekukhanyisweni Primary School; Emfundisweni Primary School; Gordon Primary School; Ikage Primary School; Iphutheng Primary School; Ithute Primary School; Mc Weiler Primary School; Pholosho Primary School; Skeen Primary School and Zenzeleni Primary School.
The tournament promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both of the 2024 winning schools returning to defend their valued titles. As always, the League will be closely followed by a host of local league association clubs who are on the lookout to recruit young players. Open and free to the public, all from far and wide are warmly welcomed to witness the future’s ’s superstars give the game all they’ve got. The weekly Wednesday kick-off commences with rounds at 13h00; followed immediately thereafter with games at 13h50 and 14h40.
In addition to the start of the Alex League, the Discovery High School Knock Out Cups (for both boys and the JVW tournament for girls) kick off in September as well, making for an exciting month of school soccer action. To read more on the Discovery School Soccer programme please visit:
https://www.discovery.co.za/vitality/soccer-schools