Yesterday, clubs, communities, teams, fans and families celebrated the successful conclusion of the 2025 Discovery Alex Schools League at Three Square Sports Field in Alexandra.Now in its 16th year, the Discovery Schools Soccer Programme continues to promote health and wellness among South African youth through soccer. In partnership with the Johannesburg Primary School Football Association (JPFSA), the initiative has grown into one of the country’s most inspiring youth sport development platforms. The round-robin, 12-team boys and girls U13 tournament kicked off on 10 September 2025 and, with scouts aplenty, players took to the field knowing that this is what dreams are made of.
Since its inception in 2009, the Discovery Schools Soccer Programme has been investing in schools’ soccer at the grassroots level—empowering young players, nurturing talent, and building stronger, healthier communities through the power of sport.
In 2013, the Discovery Alex Schools League was born, with the aim of creating access and connections; excitement and education; andmost significantly, genuine and sustainable impact through sport.
The League and schools soccer programme continues to thrive, with today being the perfect example, says Phumelele Kubeka,Marketing Manager – Sponsorships & Experiential Marketing at Discovery;
“Every match played in the Alex League tournament is a reminder of the incredible talent rising from our local communities, and the joy and pride it brings to families and fans alike. We’re proud to support an initiative that not only nurtures future stars, but also builds confidence, connection and opportunity where it matters most.”
Managed by the Department of Education in consultation with Forwardzone,numerous players have progressed from this programme to play in the Sasol League Division; ABC Motsepe League and the HollywoodBets SuperLeague.
The 2025 participating teamscomprised ofDr Knack Primary School; Carter Primary School; Ekukhanyisweni Primary School; Emfundisweni Primary School; Gordon Primary School; Ikage Primary School; Iphutheng Primary School; Ithute Primary School; Mc Weiler Primary School; Pholosho Primary School; Skeen Primary School and Zenzeleni Primary School.
In the Girls division, it was Ekukhanyisweni Primary School taking on 2024 ChampionsZenzeleni Primary School for 3rd and 4th positions. Zenzeleni Primary School will be pleased to have secured third place, winning the game 2 – 1.
Following that match and for the same placings but in the Boys division, it was Dr Knack Primary School who took on Gordon Primary School, with the latter claiming third spot with the only goal of the match.
Next up was the Girls Final which provided tremendous action with the total of 5 goals in the 90 minutes: Carter Primary School slotted two goals, but it was 2024 Runners Up Iphutheng Primary School who netted three and this year, take home the covered trophy and gold medals!
Concluding the 2025 Discovery Alex Schools League, was the much-anticipated Boys Final, where Skeen Primary School were up against Ithute Primary School. Anyone’s for the taking, it was indeed Skeen Primary School who found the back of the net twice, whilst Ithute Primary School only secured 1 goal.
As always, the League was closely followed by a host of local league association clubs who are always on the lookout to recruit young players.
To read more on the Discovery School Soccer programme please visit: https://www.discovery.co.za/vitality/soccer-schools
2025 Results:
Girls Division:
1st Place – Iphutheng Primary School; 2nd Place – Carter Primary School; 3rd Place – Zenzeleni Primary School
Girls 3rd & 4th Place Playoff: Ekukahyisweni (1) vs (2) Zenzeleni
Girls Final: Carter (2) vs (3) Iphutheng
Boys Division:
1st Place – Skeen Primary School; 2nd Place – Ithute Primary School; 3rd Place – Gordon Primary School
Boys 3rd & 4th Place Playoff: Dr Knack (0) vs (1) Gordon
Boys Final: Skeen (2) vs (1) Ithute
SUPPLIED.
