The Ubunye Challenge Cup is back for 2026—bigger, bolder, and reaching more children than ever before. What began last year as a community-led celebration of sport, art, and creativity across 13 rural schools in South Africa's Eastern Cape has grown to 20 schools and 943 students this year, up from 529 in 2025. Driven by the students themselves, supported by their communities, and delivered with our non-profit partner the Ubunye Foundation, the Cup brings soccer, netball, music, debating, and art to children who would otherwise have no access to extracurricular opportunities.
From now until September, these schools will buzz with matches, original poems and songs, hand-painted team jerseys, and spirited debates. The journey culminates in Finals Day, where the top four schools (two primary, two secondary) face off in soccer and netball alongside winning artists, poets, and debaters from all 20 schools. Trophies, prizes, and pride will be shared. We're aiming to raise $75,000 to make it happen—and because our team is entirely volunteer-run, 100% of your donation goes directly to the project. Every gift, no matter the size, brings these young leaders closer to their moment.