‘Floors High School used to have a rugby team, but now they’re starting fresh with a new one. Our goal is to get them so into it that they can compete with other schools in Kimberley and beyond’ – Jerome Voigt, Universal RFC chairman.
In today’s world, being involved in your community, especially in sports, is super important, especially when it comes to school sports.
Some schools in our province don’t struggle much with money for sports because they have big sponsors helping them out. But others are struggling with little to no funds at all.
Meet Universal RFC, one of the oldest rugby unions in the country, boasting an impressive 138-year history. This team, a rock in the South African rugby world, is known for their tradition and excellence. And one thing they’re big on is giving back to the community, making sure rugby keeps growing in our city and province.
Not long ago, the club noticed that Floors High School needed a hand, so they stepped up to help out.
Jerome Voigt, the chairman of Universals, talked to the DFA about this initiative. He mentioned how sports, in general, have been fading away in the province. Even though Universals Rugby doesn’t have a lot of resources of their own, they still wanted to do something good for the students at Floors High.
“We had some rugby jerseys lying around that we never used, and we thought it was time to give back to the community. Sports need a boost, especially in areas where support is scarce. We know these schools because we attended them ourselves, so it’s important for us to make a difference.
“Floors High School used to have a rugby team, but now they’re starting fresh with a new one. Our goal is to get them so into it that they can compete with other schools in Kimberley and beyond.”
Voigt added that the school’s team is just beginning and will soon join a league to play against other teams. “They’ll have a teacher from the school as their coach, with support from the School Governing Body (SGB), and Universals will also assist with coaching where possible,” he said.
Voigt noted that the Floors team is practising at the back of the school in an open area of veld.
“It is not really a proper field since there isn’t one. Also, this year, we won’t be able to use the AR Abass Stadium because it’s being renovated. That’s why Universals has moved to Diskobolos this year.
“But the goal is to get these kids into rugby, so they can join in the warm-up games before the main matches. It’s tough for them without proper facilities, but they make do with what they have without complaining,” Voigt added.
Meanwhile, the principal of Floors High School, Roy Fredericks, shared his excitement about the new rugby team’s beginning and the support from the Universals Rugby Union.
“Floors High School will now be the feeder, where talented players will get their start before moving on to Universals Rugby. It’s important to kickstart rugby in our schools again because it helps build up the Universals Club for the future,” he explained.
Fredericks also pointed out that playing rugby will help the students avoid problems in their community. “Some of these students had behaviour issues before, but joining the rugby team has changed that.
“They’re doing really well and it’s taking their minds off of their old troubles, showing them there’s more to life than what they were caught up in. We’re grateful that every student gets a chance to play sports in high school and do well,” he said.
Fredericks thanked Universals for stepping up to help Floors High School.
“In the past, our students felt left out seeing other schools play rugby while they couldn’t. If you see where they have to practise behind the school, you’ll see how tough it is for them, and it’s all because of money. But for now, we’re making the best of what we’ve got,” he concluded.
Collin Baartman, a teacher at the school and member of the SGB, invited anyone interested in teaming up with Floors High School to help these students. He encouraged them to reach out to him at 078 750 2993.
Evidence suggests that children who play sports are more likely to succeed because they learn discipline, teamwork, and respect – for others and themselves.
Watching these youngsters engaged in rugby rugby drills before the handover event, I saw a spark in their eyes that could turn into a passion to play for the Springboks one day.
These learners have a chance to show what they’re made of, to change their lives. But it’s not just about giving them jerseys; it’s about the whole community coming together to help them achieve their dreams.
