UCT RFC Continues Partnership with VUSA Academy

It has been 18 months since UCTRFC launched its partnership with the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy, which involves a recreational programme designed to educate, entertain and inspire young learners from the Langa community about the opportunities and power of rugby and education.

In 2019 the programme has grown from strength to strength, with the VUSA Academy learners making a number of appearances on the Green Mile. Some of the highlights including:

Doc Moss Memorial Day
In celebration of Ikey Legend Doc Cecil Moss, UCT RFC invited an invitational side to take on the 1st XV in a pre-season friendly match. Ahead of the match, both sides hosted a coaching clinic for the VUSA learners, teaching them new skills, offering encouragement and a day of fun. The VUSA learners also stayed to watch the invitational friendly.

Michigan University Tour [Watch Video]
As part of their tour of South Africa, the Michigan University Grid Iron (American Football) team visited the Green Mile to learn about rugby. To join in the experience, the UCT 1st XV invited the VUSA Academy learners to join the clinic and be exposed to American Football. It also gave the learners an opportunity to meet student athletes from the USA.

Brendan Fogarty, VUSA Programme Director noted: “VUSA’s rugby programme has made excellent progress, easily measured by the standard of rugby played and the increase in numbers. The real value of the rugby programme has been the increase in self-discipline, punctuality, dress and general conduct of their members. The sense of team is so clearly evident at their weekly matches. The VUSA songs and the players all supporting each other is a testimony to the culture of excellence that they strive to create”.

In addition to the Club’s ongoing partnership with VUSA Academy, we were proud to see the involvement of prominent Ikey old boys: Siya Kolisi, Scarra Ntubeni and Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who have recently been named as VUSA Brand Ambassadors, offering further exposure to this impressive initiative.

Club Director, Johnny Biderman-Pam commented: “UCT is proud to be associated with such an incredible initiative, and it’s heartwarming to see how rugby plays such a big part of the positive change in the kids’ lives. At UCT RFC, we believe that rugby can be a powerful medium for achieving social upliftment, and we look forward to further opportunities to support VUSA Academy in achieving this within the Langa community.”