Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy Status Report November 2019

I am living the dream of many young boys in South Africa.  I am also living the dream of the young boy who learned to play (and love) rugby in the Zwide township in PE. 

When the VUSA squad went on tour to PE, I told them to go out and do their best and that we would do the same in Japan.  We are so proud to bring home the Webb Ellis Cup for each and every child at VUSA – for each and every child in South Africa who has a dream.   I told them to fight as hard as they can for their dreams and not to let anyone tell them that they can’t make it.  If we can give children opportunities, they will broaden their dreams.

 #StrongerTogether #AwakeningOpportunities.

To continue reading the report click below

Mid Year Report 2019

Our rugby programme has made excellent progress, easily measured by the standard of rugby played and the increase in numbers. The real value of the rugby programme has been the increase in self-discipline, punctuality, dress and general conduct of our members. The sense of team is so clearly evident at Saturday's matches. The VUSA songs and the players all supporting each other is a testimony to the culture of excellence we strive to create.

Read further on by clicking here -

Vusa 2018 Year End Report

2018 has been a very busy year, with more partnerships being formed and our Khayelitsha branch was started.

Download the Year End Report here

Vusa Newsletter - 1st quarter 2018

Dear Vusa Supporter
2018 started with much enthusiasm and excitement as we moved into another
year, creating opportunity and providing support for the children of Langa.
New beginnings in Khayelitsha : VUSA has launched in Khayelitsha under the
leadership of Fundile Badi a product of the Connect Rugby Academy. We run in
three schools offering rugby coaching and lessons on Saturday afternoons. The
boys play matches for Busy Bee RFC. This has added depth to our playing
numbers and created a safe environment in Site C, Khayelitsha. We look forward to growing the VUSA programme in this community.

The VUSA Dinner: This was a wonderful event that allowed us to share the VUSA story and hear from former sporting icons Barry Richards and Rob Louw. The evening was held together by the raconteurs Robin Jackman and Trevor Quirk. The event generated income for VUSA; more importantly it allowed for networking from
which we already reaping benefits.

New partners: African Impact , an organisation that places gap students has
recently partnered with us. They place young overseas students in programmes
where they offer their coaching and teaching skills. We look forward to growing
this relationship.

UCT RFC has teamed up with the VUSA. The partnership has proved to have
worked out well this far. Our junior rugby players are being utilised as ball boys
when the Ikey Tigers play their home games during the Varsity Cup. Our kids
love every moment of it. In return, the UCT players help with coaching at Langa
Stadium every Monday and Wednesday at 15:30 to 17:30pm. A really good relationship is being built.
The partnership was officially launched on Saturday 17 March 2018 with an introductory coaching clinic, hosted at the Lutgensvale Sports Fields at Bishops. A group of Ikey players joined the VUSA coaching team to run introductory passing, catching, safe tackling, rucking and securing, and running drills with over 200 learners from the Langa community. Passionate Ikey Tiger and inspiring role model, Khwezi Phuza also shared a short story about his journey and his experience of playing rugby at UCT, inspiring learners to consider the positive
influence that rugby can have on themselves, their friends and their community.

Rugby: Our league fixtures are exciting as they offer us the opportunity to test ourselves against some of the bigger schools, SACS, WBJS, WPPS and Bishops whilst retaining our relationship with other community clubs Primrose, Hamiltons RFC and Collegians RFC.
We have started the rugby season off with restricted field space in Langa due to the drought. This has seen coaches being inventive and proactive using the parking lot and various small patches of grass!

We have been most fortunate to have had coaching clinics run by UCT in launching our partnership, The Hutt International School from New Zealand hosted a brilliant coaching session and we have already had fixtures against touring teams from Australia and the UK. This highlighted the power of sport and the shared passion we have for rugby. Donations of balls and equipment from the various visitors was most appreciated.
An exciting addition to our playing ranks this year has been 3 young girls. They have added a new dimension to the program and have certainly shown their mettle in the games thus far.
On two occasions this year, VUSA players have had the opportunity of a an outing to Newlands to watch the Stormers. This has created much excitement and is a great opportunity for our youngsters.

Academics: Our partnership with Edunova has seen meaningful developments in the academic realm this quarter. It has alleviated the need for transport of pupils to Bishops from Langa and extended the programme to U10s. Basic English and Maths skills are taught in classrooms at the Leap School alongside the Langa stadium, and these skills are reinforced through the use of technology under the guidance of Edunova facilitators. Boys enjoy the classes, and especially enjoy the immediate feedback available to them when working on a laptop. Melanie Handley continues to willingly give of her time to look after the older pupils, while 2018 has seen the welcome addition of Lusenathi Ham, a qualified teacher who hails from Langa, to the academic side of the programme. He will become known on the side of the rugby field too.

News from past pupils: A few of our boys are fortunate to have been selected for
rugby bursaries to the prestigious SACS. Two of them are in High School and two
are at the junior school. Our slogan “an opportunity through sport” is particularly
apt in these cases.

VUSA offers a wonderful opportunity for corporates to share and collaborate in
ensuring a bright future for our children. As we move ahead with the VUSA
programme it becomes clear that the need in communities is immense and that we
have scope to grow and create more opportunities for children to fulfill their
talents.

We have an exciting year ahead and look forward to further creating an inclusive future for all our children.

The VUSA Team

PROUD TO BE A VUSA-IKEY TIGER

Written by David Jenkins

What does it mean to be an Ikey Tiger? It’s a question we often ask ourselves in the changing room after a slow practice or before an important game, as it tends to evoke that powerful aspirational sense of fearlessness and pride that can only come from being part of something much bigger than oneself.

Naturally, there are a number of superlatives that come to mind when looking to encompass the essence and spirit of the special breed of men whose blood runs white and blue. Handsome, charming, witty all came into the fray, of course, as we debated this question at the beginning of the season. One value, however, that we identified as being especially proud of as a Club in 2018 is the sense of shared responsibility amongst our players to spread the game of rugby and the lessons it brings to all corners of the Western Cape.

It is in this endeavour that the Club has recently partnered with the VUSA Rugby Academy to launch the VUSA-Ikeys Rugby Programme for young up and coming rugby players in the Langa community. Meaning “to wake up” or “lift up spiritually” in isiXhosa, VUSA offers a structured program designed to restore dignity, build self-esteem, and develop the rugby and academic skills of disadvantaged children across the Western Cape.

Partnership Launch

Spearheading the initiative with the VUSA team is Ikey Old boy, Keagan Timm who has been integral in building a stronger sense of social responsibility within the Club. The Ikeys-VUSA partnership officially launched on Saturday 17 March 2018 with an introductory coaching clinic, hosted at the Lutgensvale Sports Fields in Rondebosch. A group of Ikey players joined the VUSA coaching team to run introductory passing, catching, safe tackling, rucking and securing, and running drills with over 200 learners from the Langa community. Passionate Ikey Tiger and inspiring role model, Khwezi Phuza also shared a short story about his journey and his experience of playing rugby at UCT, inspiring learners to consider the positive influence that rugby can have on themselves, their friends and their community.

Following a successful launch, the partnership is expected to grow from strength to strength as Ikey players offer coaching and academic support to the learners throughout the year, and assume mentorship roles for the learners as they progress through the VUSA programme. UCT RFC Director of Rugby, Jonathan Biderman-Pam explains that “the Ikeys-VUSA partnership is built on the shared belief that rugby has the ability to uplift and empower individuals and their communities”. He adds “the objective of the partnership is not only to provide support on the field, but also in the classroom – so that we see more learners from rural communities have the opportunity to play rugby at a university, provincial and even national level in the future.”

As a Club, our philosophy has always been to not only nurture great rugby players, but more importantly to nurture great human beings. It is as we see partnerships such as this one, born as an initiative led by the players themselves, that we are reassured of the Club’s vision and direction, and feel pride in the values that it upholds.

We take our hats off to the VUSA management team, coaching team and staff for the inspirational work that they are doing in the Langa community. The Ikey Tigers are incredibly proud to be a support partner of this incredible initiative.

Vusa Academy boys doing Ball Boy duty for Ikeys Tigers opening Varsity Cup match

4 lucky Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy boys on their way to do duty as Ball Boys for Ikey Tigers University of Cape Town opening Varsity Cup match against Wits Sport yesterday. In a few years time these boys will be on the field of play again, this time in the colours of the Blue and White hoops of the UUUUUUU! #getstuckin

VUSA RUGBY AND LEARNING ACADEMY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2017

Dear Friends of VUSA

The 2017 season has by far been the best for our development programme. We have gained much exposure to the public and the number of boys has increased enormously.

Rugby

We are very proud to have teamed up with Busy Bee Rugby Football Club, which has enabled us to play our rugby fixtures in the Western Province League. We played away games against Rondebosch Prep. and hosted Bishops Prep. in what will surely become two memorable events in the history of our programme.

Rugby Coaches

2017 saw the following  9 coaches employed from the broader Langa community from where we run our programme:

• Siyakholwa Soci - Head of U9

• Likhaya Kalini - Head of U10

• Siyanda Menqene - Head of U11

• Siya Zwelindaba - Head of U12

• Mak Kahla - Head of U13.

• Jessica and Masimdumise - in charge of warm up and extra activities

• Nosipho and Bukelwa - two ladies who help us prepare meals for the boys

Associate Schools

Our rapid growth has seen us able to fill  two sides an age group from under 9 to under 13 through partnerships with the following local schools:

• Siyabulela Primary 75%

• Thembani Primary 15%

• Moshesh Primary 7%

• Mokone Primary 3%

Parent Support

Parent involvement - or lack thereof -  has been a struggle  in the lives of talented, black children for decades. Parent involvement plays a huge role children’s lives. Poor communication processes between schools, parents and children hamper development in all aspects of life. However, we should give credit to the parents who do communicate and are happy for their children to be part of this programme. We look forward to further developing this aspect of the programme.

Vusa Achievements in 2017

• One of our top athletes took up a bursary for Grade 9 at SACS High School.

• We have reached our target of fielding two teams per age group.

• We have joined the Western Province League.

• We have won 70% of our games.

• Our programme has become a safe, caring home away from home for many children.

Tournaments and outings

We have been invited to many tournaments though our becoming well-known in Cape rugby circles. Among the many outings and matches played, some of our most memorable were:

• Bishops Spur 7s

• Warriors Academy 10-a- side

• Ultimate Rugby 7s

• False Bay Curtain Raiser for Gold Cup Match

• WP vs Lions Semi-Final at Newlands

Coaching Clinics

During the year a some opportunities for the boys have stood out:

• The University of Cambridge visit

• Visit by Ex-Springbok Players

• The introduction of Tag Rugby

Physical Education

We introduced PE into our program to improve the health of children and develop this area of life-skill. We focused on different ball skills, dynamic movements and body awareness. There was some success in this part of the programme and we will implement it more consistently and  formally next year.

Connect Partnership

Our ongoing partnership with Connect Sports Academy meant boys enrolled with the Connect Academy were able to train, play matches and be part of the academic programme on a weekly basis. Connect provided VUSA with expertise in the form of coaching staff, and made a significant contribution in terms of player numbers and skill, which saw our U13 team being able to compete with (and often win against) the best junior teams in the league. We hope to continue with this symbiotic relationship well into the future, and we thank Connect Academy for their support and vision during 2017.

Academics

The grade 6 and 7 boys have been attending English and Mathematics lessons at Bishops during the year. In the lead-up to their exams they have had the opportunity to prepare by going through old papers, and we predict that this will be helpful in terms of their year-end results. Generally the boys tend to be stronger in terms of their level of English than they are in the Maths classroom. Basic skills in Maths is an area on which we look to focus going forward. Boys have been enthusiastic and conscientious and we have managed, through excellent teaching contributions of Melanie Handley and Siya Zwelendaba to keep class size down to a maximum of 15 boys. Individual attention is often required and small classes has allowed us to achieve this.

An exciting development for 2018 is that we gain the expertise and use of the Edunova facility which operates from the LEAP School alongside Langa stadium. This will enable us to add an Information and Communication Technology element to the classes, which will include Maths, English and extend to Science. Each boy from Grade 4 to 7 will have the opportunity to attend classes where extension and consolidation of school subjects will occur. Further extension in ICT will take place on Fridays for a selection of boys. Grade 3s will also be attend introductory lessons as they begin the programme.

The academic element of the programme is undergoing considerable growth as it will be able to accommodate 180 boys in an extended syllabus in 2018. We are certainly excited about the developments.

Crèche

2017 was another successful year for the VUSA Crèche program in Langa. It started with VUSA adopting two new crèches and incorporating them into the program - Gege’s Crèche and Nomonde Crèche. Our goals were to target physical education as an element of the young children’s life-skills. All the activities were well planned and structured. This was due to the coaches attending a coaching course earlier this year and the new knowledge being implemented in the coaching plan. Besides the activities being educational and structured, the children enjoyed every single moment they had with the coaches. The faces that light up when the children see the coaches walk into the grounds is priceless.

The VUSA crèche program has helped dozens of people including the staff who look after the children. The 60 minutes that the children are with the VUSA coaches gives the staff time to prepare for upcoming activities in the class. The coaches have received much gratitude from the parents and even from tourists who walk past Dalukhanyo Crèche grounds from where we have operated for the past two years.

“My experience was enjoyable. I had a great time teaching the little ones. Every time I went to the crèche, they cheered for us. Children were happy to see us. It is a real life changing experience. It taught me how to handle children.” – Siyakholwa Soci (VUSA Coach)

Our Social Media Presence and Statistics

Find us on: Web/mobile: vusarugbyacademy.com

Facebook: facebook.com/VusaAcademy

Twitter: @VusaAcademy

Instagram: @vusaacademy

Due to our highly shareable content, great partnerships with sponsors and other academies  and successful introduction of video content we are looking to continue to improve on our 252 Facebook followers (Accumulative reach: 19 075) and over 429 unique visitors to the VUSA website.

Top reach Facebook posts

Google Search - Page 1

Twitter and Instagram Posts

VUSA on Phaka Rugby Show on SuperSport

Mak Kahla appeared on the Supersport Rugby Show Phaka where he was part of a panel which discussed the role of VUSA and other development programmes in the development of South African Rugby. It was a proud moment for VUSA!

Our Sponsors

We extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to our sponsors and partners who are vital to our operational functioning as VUSA. Our founding sponsors CALULO and sponsor Investec Asset Management ensure that all operational costs are covered. This includes transport, kit, equipment, outings and coaches salaries.

Our partners Shoprite and The Lunchbox Fund take care of all boys’ meal requirements. Much appreciated meals are given to all participants daily.

Shoprite hosted their annual boerewors championship winners event at the Langa stadium this year as part of their partnership with VUSA. This was a wonderful day with our VUSA boys mixing with past and present rugby stars. The undoubted hero of the day was Bakkies Botha, his off field persona a far cry from the hard man on the pitch! The day was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when big corporates get involved in community projects. The winning boerewors proved to be a winner as the VUSA boys gobbled down meters of the delicious wors.

Bishops offers facilities, expertise and serves all administrative functions.

The model we have created allows all stakeholders to play a key part in bringing the VUSA programme to all participants.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all for the vital role their companies and organisations played during the 2017 year. We look forward to growing and expanding our partnership going forward into 2018.

We wish all a happy festive season and look forward to the successes of 2018.

The VUSA team

Vusa U8s and U9s ready for rugby tournament in Tokai

The next generation of Vusa Rugby Academy players are locked and ready to play in a rugby tournament in Tokai this coming Saturday, 23 September. We wish the boys all best and hope they enjoy themselves on the field. #GetStuckIn

SA's Championship Boerewors champion was crowned in Langa.

A season full of smiles

With the full season of rugby nearly over for the VUSA boys we have picked some images that have depicted what the 2017 rugby season has meant to the boys.

We would like to thank all those involved from the coaches, kids, support staff, sponsors and the parents who braved the mornings to watch their youngsters perform on the rugby pitch.

Now we get ready for our year end 7's tournament on Saturday the 16th of September at the Langa Stadium. 

Follow our Social pages to be kept informed of the teams taking part and the times of the matches.