Parel Vallei Girls' Hockey is Turning Goals into Growth for Siphila Sonke Youth

Photo Credit: Zac Zinn

This season, the goals scored on the turf by Parel Vallei Girls’ Hockey are fuelling a greater mission: supporting the youth of Elgin Valley with the tools to strengthen foundational learning.

Cape Town, South Africa (17 March 2026) – This year, Parel Vallei Girls’ Hockey is playing for something far more significant than a spot on the scoreboard.

Under the leadership of the Director of Hockey, Wayne Coetzee, the sports programme is shifting its focus to purpose and community impact. Wayne has long believed that sport is one of the most powerful platforms for giving back – a philosophy he championed during his tenure at Grey College, where he led successful charitable initiatives in support of Engo.

Now in his second year at Parel Vallei, Wayne is bringing that same spirit of service into the girls’ hockey programme.

This season, every match played will support the vital work of Siphila Sonke, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to uplifting vulnerable families and children within the informal settlements of the Elgin Valley.

“The players embraced the idea immediately, recognising that their passion for the game can also be used to support meaningful causes in the community. The message is even reflected on the team’s playing kit, which carries the words ‘Play with Purpose’,” shares JD Ferreira, who runs Parel Vallei’s Sponsorships and Marketing department.

The players themselves are driving the campaign, reaching out to family members, friends, and local businesses to help raise funds for a School in a Box (a fully offline educational platform that serves as a complete learning delivery system) equipped with the CAMI programme. This educational equipment will empower Siphila Sonke with the resources needed to reach and educate even more learners.

“The hockey girls are also using social media and school networks to raise awareness and encourage the broader community to get involved. Each player has effectively become an ambassador for the initiative, sharing the story and encouraging people to contribute,” JD explains.

The team has also donated sports equipment to Siphila Sonke and stated that supporting the organisation was a natural choice given its focus on uplifting communities through education and development.

One of Siphila Sonke’s key initiatives is the Kids Club programme, which runs every afternoon for 127 children aged 6–13 years, providing a safe and engaging environment for creative and academic stimulation. The programme includes structured play, reading, maths, art, computer and tablet-based learning through dedicated spaces such as the CAMI project and the School in a Box hub.

“Their work aligns strongly with the values we try to instil in our players. Creating opportunities, empowering young people and using education as a pathway to a better future.”

Like many organisations working in community upliftment, Siphila Sonke faces ongoing challenges around funding and resources. The need within communities is significant, and programmes that provide educational support require sustained financial backing to reach as many children as possible.

Wayne Coetzee with Parel Vallei 1st XI player, Nikita Sulivan. Photo Credit: Zac Zinn

Partnerships and fundraising initiatives like this help extend the reach of their work and enable them to continue delivering programmes that make a meaningful difference.

“By supporting Siphila Sonke, the girls know that their efforts will directly contribute to creating educational and sports opportunities for children who may otherwise not have access to them,” JD says.

The primary goal of the R65,000 fundraising target is to purchase a second School in a Box for Siphila Sonke, which includes pre-configured, secure tablets loaded with fun, high-quality, interactive educational content for children aged 4 to 18 years (Grade R to Grade 12).

“For the Parel Vallei Girls’ Hockey programme, reaching this target would mean the players have directly helped provide an entire mobile learning environment to children who need it most. It would be a powerful example of how sport can be used not only to develop great athletes, but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

You can get behind these girls by making a once-off donation or pledging an amount per goal this season. To donate or for more information, visit their campaign here.