The ultimate UK-SA Rugby, Netball and Hockey Showdown. Where Global Talent Meets Local Grit.
An epic sporting and cultural showdown
The Connect Festival of Unity returns from 13–18 July 2026, bringing together 13 elite UK touring schools and Cape Town’s fiercest local talent for a week-long battle in Rugby, Netball, and Hockey.
This year’s more focused format transforms Cape Town into a world-class arena, hosting matches across the Jan Burger Sports Complex (Rugby), Hartleyvale Stadium (Hockey), and St Cyprian’s School (Netball).
It is a unique celebration of international sportsmanship that bridges the gap between global standards & South African heart.
The ultimate high performance launchpad
Hosted by Connect, this festival is more than a tournament; it is a vital engine for social upliftment and professional pathways. By uniting athletes from diverse backgrounds—including local clubs like Connect NTK and community initiatives like Be The Difference and the WISEUP Foundation—the event serves as a high-performance launchpad for the next generation of stars.
For the 2026 rugby participants, the stakes are even higher: standout players will be selected for a representative team to compete in the Global Schools Challenge in Thailand this December.
The Connect brand and community support a purpose-driven ecosystem with a decade-long track record of changing lives.
Connect’s integrated model provides a clear pathway from school sports to professional success, as seen in alumni who have reached provincial, national, and international levels.
Every match at the Festival of Unity is a step toward unleashing the potential of our youth on and off the field.
Coaching Schools & Clubs
Our coaches work every day with our next generation.
Connect has a team of coaches and support staff working in school, club and international sport, rolling out the developmental ethos that has guided us since 2014.
We coach multiple sports and activities for adults, as well as boys and girls at all ages and ability levels including rugby, soccer, netball, tennis, boxing, golf, softball, baseball and track-and-field athletics.
Our holistic approach to sports science, movement fundamentals, physical literacy and play means we also play a lead role in delivering the Physical Education aspect of the national government curriculum.
