{"id":86826,"date":"2025-11-22T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T06:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=86826"},"modified":"2025-11-22T08:10:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T06:10:45","slug":"urban-academys-super-soccer-schools-tournament-goes-bigger-and-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=86826","title":{"rendered":"Urban Academy’s Super Soccer Schools Tournament goes bigger and better"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Dr. Estienne Cronj\u00e9, the Director of Urban Academy and the President and founder of the Urban Academy Football Club. Photo: Supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Urban Academy Private School<\/strong>, in Gqeberha, is one of the fastest-growing schools in South Africa. Although it was founded only 13 years ago, in 2012, it has already established a reputation for academic and sporting excellence.<\/p>\n

Urban Academy’s football programme is among the fastest growing in the nation, and this year the school hosted the\u00a0 inaugural edition of the annual<\/strong> Super Soccer Schools Tournament<\/strong><\/a> in August<\/p>\n

In September, Urban Academy the founding of a new club, the Urban Academy Football (UAFC)<\/strong><\/a>, which will be up and running in 2026.<\/p>\n

Next year, too, the Urban Academy Super Soccer Schools Tournament will unfold with competition at provincial level, with the top three from each province qualifying for the finals in Gqeberha in August.<\/p>\n

SuperSport Schools Plus<\/strong><\/a> spoke with Dr. Estienne Cronj\u00e9<\/strong>, the Director of Urban Academy and President of the UAFC,<\/strong> about the tournament, including its vision and objectives.<\/p>\n

The first edition of the tournament was a success, Cronj\u00e9 said.\u00a0De Kuilen High School<\/strong>, from Cape Town, was crowned the u19 boys’ champion, while Alexander Road High School, from Gqeberha, won the u19 girls’ title.<\/p>\n

“It was an incredible season, especially with the broadcasting support from SuperSport Schools<\/strong><\/a>,” Cronj\u00e9 said.\u00a0“So many students, some who have never had the chance to play on a broadcast field, finally got visibility, and the atmosphere was unbelievable.<\/p>\n

“Our stats for this season were only three provinces. In 2026, we are planning to invite schools from all provinces.<\/p>\n

“The total number of matches played this year is as follows:\u00a0 136, and 59 games were broadcast by SuperSport Schools. Our social reach across all our social media platforms [Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram] for the tournament was 12 547 925,” Cronj\u00e9 revealed.<\/p>\n

He said he was proud of Urban Academy’s vision of uniting South African schools, including those from privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds, on a single field, thus fostering a passion for football, along with unity and a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n

During this year’s tournament, international scouts and eight local scouts were invited to witness South African schools’ talent. Among those in attendance were Mark Tommy<\/strong>, the Sports Manager<\/strong> at Nelson Mandela University<\/strong>;\u00a0Elrio Van Heerden<\/strong>, the Head Coach<\/strong> of the Nelson Mandela University Football Team; Godfrey Tenoff<\/strong>, the Sports Manager<\/strong> from the University of Free State;<\/strong>\u00a0and Kyle Zenoni<\/strong>, a former player and current Head Coach <\/strong>of the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks men’s soccer team<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kagan Assam, Headmaster of Urban Academy and Director of Urban Football Club Academy. Photo: Supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cronj\u00e9 said Urban Academy doesn’t profit from scouted students, adding that scouts must seek permission from coaches before contacting players or parents. The reasons for that, he said, were professionalism, safety, and transparency.<\/p>\n

“This is the heart of our tournament, providing and creating a platform for an opportunity. A player needs just one moment, one match, and one set of eyes on them to change their entire future,” Cronj\u00e9 explained.<\/p>\n

The tournament will be even bigger in 2026, he enthused. “We are introducing a new category, the u16 boys’ division, and for the first time, every field not covered by SuperSport Schools will be broadcast through our own AI cameras, ensuring as many games as possible are seen. That\u2019s part of our drive for equal exposure.<\/p>\n

“We remain committed to gender equality, so from 2026, all prizes, exposure, and opportunities will be 100 percent equal between boys and girls.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ll once again include interviews with players, coaches, managers, and principals, as well as the national gala for principals, coaches, managers, and captains, followed by a braai for all teams on the first day of the tournament.”<\/p>\n

Over 130 teams have requested entry for the 2026 tournament, with many having already confirmed their participation, including, among others, Wynberg Girls’ High, Urban Academy, De Kuilen High, CBC Mount Edmund, St Patrick’s CBC, Selly Park Secondary, Lowveld High, Pinelands High, Linkside High, Theodor Herzl High, Bridge House, Phandulwazi High, Westview School<\/strong>, and Saints Christian School<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cronj\u00e9 also thanked sponsors and partners. They made the tournament possible, he stated, and welcomed any organisation interested in being a part of the tournament to approach him.<\/p>\n

“On a bigger note, we\u2019ve been working for almost a year on registering the business and the tournament in the United States, with plans to expand into the US between 2028 and 2030.<\/p>\n

“The goal is to have their top 10 nationally ranked SSS schools compete against South Africa\u2019s top 10 for an international title on South African soil.<\/p>\n

“Believe it or not, the full travel and stay package to SA is more valuable and affordable than 80 percent of their own tournaments, and that’s coming from the various schools we have been talking to, to start the pipeline,” Cronj\u00e9 told SuperSport Schools Plus.<\/p>\n

He also said Urban Academy will be launching a digital platform to enhance school football experiences and resources for players.<\/p>\n

The Super Soccer Schools Tournament entries close at the end of January. Many schools will finalise their entries when they reopen next year. Only 16 spots per category per province are available, with the top three qualifying for nationals.<\/p>\n

With all provinces included, Cronj\u00e9 said that he expects over 1 000 matches to be played in 2026. The prize pot, including all medals, trophies, and monetary awards, will exceed R350 000.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Urban Academy Football Team has shown impressive growth over the past two years in the Eastern Cape. This photograph captures their celebration at the 2023 Victoria Park Soccer Tournament in Gqeberha. Since then, they have aimed to compete nationally with top football schools. Photo: Siya Pongco.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“As with this year, the top three per category at Nationals get free access to BeBrilliant Academy<\/strong>,” the Urban Academy Director said. It is an online platform for a player or an immediate family member to do soft skill development that helps boost CVs, and which improves the chances of people getting hired. They may do any two courses of the 160 courses available.<\/p>\n

“This is part of Urban Academy’s purpose and vision of opportunities and community upliftment,” Cronj\u00e9 explained.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019re also building a fantastic long-term relationship with a major sponsor [still in the negotiation phase], which will help us grow the tournament into one of the biggest developmental sporting events in South Africa, one where opportunities are unlocked and futures are shaped,” he concluded.<\/p>\n

Provincial Playoff and Qualifiers\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Western Cape – 10-12 April – Pinelands High
\nNorthern Cape – 19-19 April – St Patrick’s CBC – Kimberley
\nFree State – 17-19 April – University of the Free State
\nEastern Cape – 24-26 April – Urban Academy
\nGauteng – 8-10 May – CBC Mount Edmund
\nNorth West – 8-10 May – Selly Park Secondary School
\nLimpopo and Mpumalanga – 15-17 May – Lowveld High
\nKwaZulu-Natal – 26-28 June – Venue\/Host: TBC<\/p>\n

NB: The Nationals Finals of the tournament are scheduled to take place from 7-10 August at Urban Academy, in Gqeberha<\/p>\n

List of all entries thus far<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • The Vaal High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Bergsig Academy \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Heathfield High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Saints Christian School \u2013 Boys u16, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Selly Park Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Kimberley Girls High School \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Oscar Mpetha High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Roedean School (SA) \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Mokwatedi \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Tetlanyo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Stutterheim High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Umvuzo Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Bridge House School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Relebohile Sibulele Combined School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Acudeo College Thornview Secondary \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Bainsvlei Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Absolute Hope Academy \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ayanda Senior Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Cofimvaba S.S.S \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Crystal Park High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Douglas High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Emdeni Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Emmanuel Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Esokwazi Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Funda Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Glenhaven Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Good Hope Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Gugulethu Comprehensive High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Hans Kekana Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Harrismith Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Helen Bowden Nursing College \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Highveld Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ho\u00ebrskool Kathu \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Holy Trinity High School \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Iqhayiya High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ithetha School \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • John Bisseker Senior Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Jongilizwe Technical School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kangala High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kgomotso High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Khwezana S.S.S \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kingsridge High School \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Klipfontein View Primary School \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Koekenaap High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Komani High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kouga Sports School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kwamandla High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • KwaNobuhle High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Kwanomzamo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Letlhabile Primary School \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Lilyfontein High School \u2013 Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Lukhanyo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Lulekani High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Lusemanzi High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mabatho High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mahlontebe Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Makhuvha Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mamelodi High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Maphutha High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Masiphumelele High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Masizakhe High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mbekweni Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mdantsane High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mhlontlo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Midrand High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mncube Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mnqanduli High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Moses Mabhida High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mothotlung Primary \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Mpheko High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mthatha Technical High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mthimkhulu High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Mzinoni High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ndzondelelo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ngangelizwe High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ngqeleni High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Nkqubela High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Nonzame High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Ntsonkotha High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Paballong High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Paterson High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Pearson High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Phakamisa High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Phalaborwa Rise \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Philippi High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Qhayiya High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Queensburgh High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Qumbu High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Reddersburg High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Rhodes High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Richmond High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Rista Primary \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Samora Machel S.S.S \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Sasolburg High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Saxonsea Secondary \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Sebe Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Senqu Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Setotolwane Secondary \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Sibabalwe S.S.S \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Siphumelele Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Sipho Maseko S.S.S \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • SJ Van der Merwe Technical \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Sondla High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Southview High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Springfield Convent Senior School \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Swellendam High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Tembisa Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Thandokhulu High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Thandolwethu High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Thembalabantu High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Thomas Ntaba High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Thubalethu High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Tlokwe Secondary School \u2013 Boys U\/19<\/li>\n
  • Tsako Thabo High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Tselanyane High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Tulani Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Umlazi ComTech \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Umthombo S.S.S \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Vastrap Primary \u2013 Boys u16<\/li>\n
  • Vezubuhle Secondary School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Vulamazibuko Secondary \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Warrenton High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Wesbank High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Windsor High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Wittedrift High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Wynberg Girls\u2019 High School \u2013 Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Idutywa School of Excellence \u2013 Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Masibambane Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Fezekile Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Voorbrug Secondary High School \u2013 Boys u19<\/li>\n
  • Gamagara High School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • South Peninsula High School \u2013 Boys u19, Girls u19<\/li>\n
  • Vuvumutshena Secondary School \u2013 Boys u16, Boys u19<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Urban Academy Private School, in Gqeberha, is one of the fastest-growing schools in South Africa. Although it was founded only 13 years ago, in 2012, it has already established a reputation for academic and sporting excellence. Urban Academy’s football programme is among the fastest growing in the nation, and this year the school hosted […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":86841,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-86826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=86826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/86841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=86826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=86826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=86826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}