About
Sports Academy George was started in 2008 as a programme which used sports as a tool to connect with young people. We combined a heart for young people and the love of sport to create a programme to disciple and mentor children from underprivileged communities in George. Children quickly started showing up to the weekly practices. Training and playing together fostered unity and a sense of belonging while creating an environment that allowed us to build relationships.
Opportunities for further education and full-time employment for the under-privileged in South Africa are unfortunately very limited, with statistics showing that only 1 in 8 going on to University or onto full-time employment. Given these challenges we knew that we needed to expand our programme to include education as a key building block to sustainably change lives.
We wanted to give our players the best possible opportunities in life and so in January 2019 we opened as George Royal Academy (GRA); a non-profit private school for the underprivileged. The students receive full bursaries providing them with quality education while also tending to their basic needs including food, transport and clothing. The reality for most students in townships in South Africa is that classrooms are overcrowded and education is poor. We believe access to quality education is crucial for uplifting students and giving them opportunities to bring about change.
Our first intake of Grade 8s was selected from our annual Academy Sports Cup Tournament from local primary schools in 2018. These children were given the opportunity to be a part of the new school setup.
Mission
To use sport as a tool to select, disciple, and raise up a new generation of Christian leaders
that will advance the Kingdom of God, in the underprivileged communities of George, South Africa.
Vision
To share the gospel of Jesus with all students, helping them to understand their worth and identity in Christ, and teaching them how to fulfill His purpose for their lives.
To select students each year that are young, talented sports men and women and through the highest standard of sports coaching, competition and mentorship develop them physically, mentally and spiritually.
To place all students in local churches and involve them in cell groups, one on one mentorship, leadership studies and Saturday night youth club.
The provision of free education as a school defined in the South African Schools Act of 1996 to the poor and needy.
The provision of scholarships and bursaries for those in further education and the development of partnerships with local businesses to provide job opportunities for every student that graduates SAG
Values
Lordship
We value lordship and recognize that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Discipleship
We value discipleship and believe that all of us have been called to develop followers of Jesus Christ.
We aim to make disciples that make disciples! Matt 28 v 18-20
Leadership
We value leadership and exist to develop this God given gift in our students
Character
We value a Christ-like character and seek to live and teach honesty, integrity and loyalty
Commitment
We value commitment and strive to give 100% every day.
Excellence
We value excellence and every task is done as on to the Lord. The Sports Academy motto is “My best for His glory”
Team
We value team and the idea that together we can make a difference
Meet the Team
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Wayne & Suzi McAfee
Sports Academy founders
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Carel Lategan
Operations Manager
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Hendri Swanepoel
Principal
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Mary McCollum
Vice Principal
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Andy Scott
Youth Worker