The North-West University’s (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus burst into life on June 16 as it welcomed back former students, staff, and community partners for its inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day. The event, held on Youth Day, blended athletic energy with heartfelt reconnection, marking a new chapter in alumni engagement through the unifying power of sport.
Soccer took centre stage, with friendly yet competitive matches featuring teams such as Black Pool, VUT, Young Alumni Soccer Ladies, and Vaal Ladies. Alumni played alongside staff and invited stakeholders, reviving campus camaraderie and sparking conversations about future collaboration.
More than just a sports day, the event signalled the beginning of a broader initiative - laying the groundwork for the formation of a Vanderbijlpark Campus Sports Alumni Chapter. For organisers, it was about far more than goals scored on the field.
“This event was about more than just sport - it was about reconnecting and reigniting the NWU alumni spirit,” said Zanele Ngobese from the Alumni Relations Office. “Sport has always had the power to unite people. We used that spirit to bring our alumni and friends back into the fold, laying the foundation for long-term involvement.”
Youth Day, with its profound significance in South African history, served as a meaningful backdrop. As attendees laced up their boots and shared memories on the sidelines, the atmosphere echoed the NWU’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through education and sport.
In attendance was Silvanus Welcome, director for development and fundraising, who emphasised the strategic role of alumni in the university’s growth.
“Our alumni are a vital part of the university’s development ecosystem. This event exemplifies how social and sporting platforms can be used not just to build relationships, but to ignite philanthropic interest and collaborative growth opportunities for the campus and surrounding communities.”
The day also featured informal discussions around student-athlete support, mentorship, and the role alumni can play in shaping a more inclusive, empowered NWU community.
While a few minor challenges emerged, such as a brief shortage of amenities due to the public holiday; the event ran smoothly overall, thanks to a responsive organising team and a deeply engaged audience. Many attendees praised the welcoming atmosphere, community spirit, and the strategic direction the event represented.
With over 100 attendees, enthusiastic feedback, and growing interest from those who could not attend, plans are already underway to make the Alumni and Friends Sports Day a flagship annual event, with potential for expansion to other NWU campuses.
“The overwhelmingly positive response confirms that there’s a real appetite for meaningful alumni engagement,” said Zanele. “We’re excited to build on this momentum.”
As the final whistle blew and teams posed for photos, it was clear that the day had scored more than goals. It had rekindled connections, inspired new ideas, and reminded everyone of the enduring bond between the NWU and its people - on and off the field.
Soccer took centre stage at the inaugural NWU Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day.
