Money is too tight to mention for many a household in South Africa these days.
The financial burden of sending a young rugby player to the prestigious youth week is becoming insurmountable for an increasing number of families. As a result, appeals for financial assistance on social media have become more common. A poignant example comes from a family in the Boland region, who creatively organised a raffle with a case of brandy as the prize, each ticket costing R500, all in a bid to raise the necessary funds to send their son to the Grant Khomo Week 2024.
This financial strain is primarily felt by students from less affluent schools. These families are often unable to shoulder the substantial costs associated with participating in such high-level events. In contrast, students attending wealthier schools face fewer economic hurdles. These schools frequently provide financial support for their sponsored players, covering the extraordinary expenses that come with participation in events like the Grant Khomo Week.
When the opportunity arises for a talented young player from a financially struggling family to leave his existing high school move to a wealthier high school via a rugby bursary or scholarship, it is becoming an obvious choice.
The disparity highlights a significant issue within the sports community: the accessibility of opportunities based on economic background. While talent and dedication are abundant across all schools, the financial resources needed to nurture and showcase this talent are unevenly distributed. This inequity underscores the importance of finding sustainable solutions to support young athletes from diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring that all have a fair chance to pursue their dreams.
Less wealthy schools play a crucial role in maintaining the strength and vitality of school-level rugby. They foster a passion for the game and nurture raw talent, often in the face of significant financial challenges. These schools deserve praise and support for their unwavering commitment to the sport and their players. By recognising and supporting these institutions, we help ensure that rugby remains a vibrant and inclusive part of school life, allowing all students, regardless of their economic background, to enjoy and excel in the sport.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #3)
The fact that EP boys have to pay something like 16K to attend these weeks tells me that Saru and EP is not realy contributing….
If SARU does not fund these weeks they are outright crooks. They make a packet from sponsors, advertising, streaming… so do not let a lad miss out because of income.
I agree 100% with @Smallies.
I don’t know any schools that help financially with these weeks & most of the help actually comes from parents of other kids at the school. We not even talking about travel costs getting to & from trials / practices etc. In the Cape travelling from the Southern Suburbs to Bellville with the traffic as it is currently is not the easiest thing to organise. Obviously certain Unions are luckier than others when it comes to costs, however, with other Provincial sports in all Unions you get nothing, you have to pay for everything & worst of all with these sports, when you represent your country you still have to pay for everything as the National federations/unions don’t pay a cent but you are expected to give your all on the field/pool & sing the National Anthem with pride in the tracksuit that you funded. Crazy but true.
There shouldn’t be ANY costs exept pocketmoney for any boy atending these weeks….saru hosts these weeks,they prescibe selection policy they MUST foot the bill for this tournaments in FULL