Media Release
SportSmart Futures Programme: Empowering Young Coaches for Success in Sport & Life
Cape Town, South Africa – 26 February 2025 – The CATCH Trust is proud to announce the launch of the SportSmart Futures Programme (SSFP), a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and develop young coaches in the Western Cape. The programme officially kicks off on 28th February with an exclusive Open Day at Chris Hani Secondary School in Khayelitsha, providing an exciting opportunity for aspiring coaches to learn about the initiative and how it can shape their future in coaching and professional development.
With only 100 spots available, the programme is designed to equip young coaches with invaluable resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience, offering them a pathway to personal and professional growth. This marks the first time the SportSmart Futures Programme has been launched in the Western Cape, and we are excited about the lasting impact it will have on both coaches and the local community.
About the Programme
The SportSmart Futures Programme is committed to transforming the lives of young coaches by providing both sports-specific training and essential life skills education. Delivered in partnership with CATCH Trust and Lucha Lunako, this initiative goes beyond traditional coaching certification, incorporating financial literacy, employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership training to equip participants with the tools they need to build sustainable careers in sport and beyond. Participants will engage in weekly workshops that blend practical coaching experience with theoretical knowledge, covering cricket coaching fundamentals, leadership methodologies, safeguarding practices, and mental health awareness. Hands-on training sessions will enable young coaches to apply their learning in real-world coaching environments, ensuring a well-rounded development process.
Quote from Gary Kirsten, Founder of the CATCH Trust:
“Sport has the power to change lives, and the SportSmart Futures programme is about creating real opportunities for young coaches to grow, lead, and inspire their communities. Through this initiative, we are not only developing better coaches but also equipping them with the life skills and career pathways they need to build sustainable futures in sport and beyond. The Open Day is a chance to witness this transformation in action and to be part of a movement that uses sport as a vehicle for positive change.”
Quote from Michelle Green, co-founder and director of programmes at Lucha Lunako:
“The CATCH Trust’s mission aligns perfectly with our goals at Lucha Lunako to provide holistic development opportunities for young people. By working together, we aim to inspire and equip youth with essential skills that will serve as building blocks for their future.”
Supported by SESLA and International Partners
As a Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA) grantee, the CATCH Trust and Lucha Lunako are committed to developing young coaches’ skills to ensure their success in sport and life. The SESLA programme is currently funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) via Olympism365, and Laureus Sport for Good (Laureus).
Join Us for the Open Day!
Date: 28th February
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: CATCH Trust Centre of Cricket Excellence, Chris Hani Secondary School, Khayelitsha
Who Should Attend
Aspiring and current coaches, sports organisations, youth leaders, community stakeholders, corporate sponsors, and media. The Open Day will feature inspirational coaching talks from Gary Kirsten and South African U19 Head Coach Malibongwe Maketa, testimonials from previous workshop participants, and interactive workshops highlighting how sport can be used as a tool for social change. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, collaborate, and explore how they can become part of this transformative movement.
Programme Overview:
Duration: 26 weeks
Structure: Weekly workshops, hands-on coaching experience, mentorship, and Assessments
Course Value: R20,000 per participant (fully funded)
Outcomes: Certification, practical coaching experience, and enhanced coaching skills Upon completion, graduates will be equipped with a solid foundation in coaching and leadership, ready to take on roles as mentors and community leaders in South Africa’s sports landscape. Join Us & Be Part of the Future of Coaching in South Africa.
The SportSmart Futures Programme is more than a coaching course—it’s an opportunity for young individuals to unlock their potential, develop new skills, and create pathways to sustainable careers in sport and beyond.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact Leanne Eksteen, Media Liaison: CATCH Trust, email: [email protected]
ENDS
About the CATCH Trust
The CATCH Trust is dedicated to creating sustainable sporting ecosystems in township communities, providing access to high-quality coaching, facilities, and education to underserved young athletes and coaches. Through its various programmes, including the SportSmart Futures initiative, the Trust is committed to fostering talent, leadership, and opportunity through sport.
About Lucha Lunako
Lucha Lunako (“The Youth Have It” in English) is dedicated to creating pathways to sustainable income through employment or entrepreneurship. They have developed a suite of courses that are designed to shift mental models in young people, helping them to unlock their potential and take active ownership of their future. Lucha Lunako’s new trademarked holistic youth development and support framework yields both an immediate benefit to the individual, but also positively influences their friends, family and community. Through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and advocacy – all underpinned by evidence-based research – Lucha Lunako aims to create measurable impact in the youth sector.
Apply Now!
https://bit.ly/SportSmartFuturesProgramme
