"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." On Youth Day, this sentiment came to life in Matlwang Village, where a football tournament served as the starting point for a meaningful act of generosity.

On 16 June 2026, in commemoration of Youth Day, Student Life and Sports on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus joined forces for a community outreach initiative at Matlwang Village, just outside Ikageng. Through sport, generosity and a shared commitment to uplifting others, the initiative brought hope and support to young people in the community.

The outreach formed part of the 16 June Football and Netball Tournament hosted by April Malangeni, founder of La-Costa Football Club. While the tournament created a platform for young people to compete, connect and celebrate Youth Day through sport, it also presented an opportunity to address a more pressing need within the community.

The idea for the donation drive emerged during soccer clinics hosted on 13 June 2026 by NWU Tawana, the football club on the Potchefstroom Campus. While engaging with young players in the village, university representatives identified a need for additional support. What began as a day of coaching and skills development quickly evolved into a broader effort to assist the community.

Recognising this opportunity to make a meaningful difference, the Student Life and Sport departments mobilised support across campus to collect clothing for young people in the village.

The Student Life department donated clothing collected through the Barefoot Day campaign. Students, residences and academic chapters across campus responded with remarkable generosity, donating clothing that ultimately reached young people who needed it most. The Student Campus Council's Community Stakeholder Engagement Office coordinated the collection effort.

Several university representatives attended the tournament and clothing handover, including Funani Mabala, senior manager for NWU Sports and acting campus director; Tshediso Tom, administrative assistant in the Office of the Campus Director and student life and recreational soccer coordinator; Michael Seleka, manager for soccer and head coach of NWU Tawana; and Brady Barends, head coach of the NWU Cricket Team.

The donated clothing was officially handed over to April Malangeni and the young members of La-Costa Football Club, providing practical support to those participating in the tournament and strengthening the university’s engagement with the local community.

Sometimes, positive change begins not with grand gestures, but with a football match, a helping hand and a community's willingness to care.