Prestwich introduces sports to boost school spirit
Prestwich Primary School in Green Point says their inter-house football event has improved student bonding and sportsmanship among the pupils and the teachers.
Gadijah Waggie, a Grade 6 teacher and sports coordinator, developed and supervised the format of the six-a-side tournament, along with a 10-teacher organising committee who volunteered their time during breaks from April 22 to last Thursday, when the final was played in front of excited, screaming pupils.
Pupils from Grades R to 3 attended a football bootcamp.
Boys in Grades 4 to 7 and girls in Grades 6 and 7 were separated into four sporting teams: the Blue Tigers, Red Lions, Yellow Cheetahs and Green Leopards, who played for the Nasief Morris Prestwich football tournament trophy.
“We didn't just want to play a soccer game during breaks, so we made it a competitive league and there was a grand final. We introduced a points system for a win, draw or loss so it’s like a champions league. At the end of the tournament medals were handed out to the players and the kids were really excited about it,” said Ms Waggie.
“This is all they talk about and the attendance is better, they focus in class and they are excited to play so their behaviour in class has improved. We see them shaking hands after the game whether they win or lose and there is a really good, competitive spirit amongst them. They were cheering for their favourite players and teams and it was really fun for everyone,” she said.
Ms Waggie said sports were non-existent at the school but the organising committee is going to schedule a netball competition, starting July 15, and an athletics event later this year.
“The boys have asked if they can play netball so there is excitement building up for that. We want our kids to know that no matter our circumstances, we can rise above it all,” she said.
“We spent our break times playing football and it was well received by the learners. Their love for sport and education has increased and we can see the difference in their attitude towards each other and the teachers. There is enthusiasm and rivalry but also respect, and it was a good way to increase the school spirit,” said Mahdi Samodien, the principal of Prestwich Primary.
Former Bafana Bafana, Santos, and Panathinaikos football player Nasief Morris officiated the final and presented the trophy to the winning team.
“It’s all about having fun, it really brings joy to my heart that they are all involved and so excited about playing and supporting each other,” said Mr Morris.
The Yellow Leopards won the inaugural tournament with 160 points, followed by the Blue Tigers on 150 while the other teams tied with 110 points each.
