THE unifying power of sport, social consciousness and youth development will converge tomorrow as the Shaun De Souza Rugby Academy (SDRA24) hosts its inaugural Community 10s Rugby Tournament.
Set for October 18, 2025, at the Old Hararians Sports Club, the event promises an action-packed day of grassroots rugby while serving as a vital platform for critical public health education.
The tournament, which runs from 8.30am to 3pm with free entry for the public, is organised under the inspiring theme “From Grassroots to Greatness”.
It is a dual-purpose affair, strategically aligned with the national “Say No to Drugs” campaign and the ongoing Cancer Awareness Month.
This focus elevates the event beyond a mere sporting fixture into a significant community engagement initiative.
Over 280 young players, aged Under-11 to Under-17, from academies and community clubs across Harare and surrounding areas, are set to participate.
Teams, including SDRA24, Dolphins, Little Giants, Genesis, Mother Patrick and Crusaders will be vying for honours, showcasing the impressive depth and growth of youth rugby talent in the country.
The tireless efforts of the SDRA Parents Committee have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
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Shaun De Souza, founder and head coach of SDRA24, emphasised the academy’s broader mission ahead of the tournament.
“Rugby is more than a game — it’s a vehicle for character building, friendship, and community,” De Souza said.
“Through this tournament, we are not only developing young athletes but also sending strong messages about making positive life choices, supporting one another and raising awareness for causes that affect us all.”
This community-first approach is embodied in the event’s integration of awareness campaigns.
The “Say No to Drugs” initiative seeks to confront the challenge of substance abuse among Zimbabwean youth, promoting the discipline and purposeful, healthy lifestyle that sport provides.
Furthermore, the cancer awareness drive will offer a profound educational layer, featuring resource materials, interactive booths and short talks to inform families about early detection, preventive care, and support networks.
De Souza added that integrating these campaigns into community sport is key to shaping socially conscious individuals.
“By integrating awareness campaigns into community sport, we are empowering our young people to become informed, compassionate and socially conscious — both on and off the field,” he stated.
For SDRA24, the Community 10s represents a key milestone in its journey to create a structured development pathway for young players.
Since its founding, the academy has become a leading force in grassroots development, devoted to teaching life skills — teamwork, respect and resilience — alongside rugby proficiency.
The tournament will offer coaches and scouts a valuable opportunity to witness emerging talent in a competitive yet nurturing environment.
Spectators can anticipate a day filled with high-energy matches, skills demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment, with food stalls and music contributing to a vibrant atmosphere of unity and celebration.
Ultimately, the event’s true victory is set to be less about the trophies and more about shaping well-rounded individuals.
“Our goal is to build the next generation of leaders, not just rugby players,” De Souza said.
“Every tackle, every pass, every game is an opportunity to teach resilience, respect and teamwork — values that extend far beyond the rugby field.”
By blending high-energy sport with vital social messages, the SDRA24 Community 10s is setting a new precedent for how grassroots rugby can actively address societal challenges while nurturing the next generation of Zimbabwe’s leaders and athletes. — Staff Writer.
