CATCH Trust Launches New Cricket Season at Centre of Cricket Excellence

Empowering Township Youth Through Sport and Social Development

Cape Town – The CATCH Trust is thrilled to kick off the new cricket season at its Centre of Cricket Excellence in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, showcasing the next generation of township cricket talent. The launch event will be held on Friday, 11 October, featuring an exciting day of youth cricket, with boys and girls from the Trust displaying their skills at the Centre's world-class field and indoor facility.

As part of CATCH Trust’s mission to use cricket as a vehicle for social change, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about impactful community initiatives, including the Women’s Empowerment Programme and the CATCH Coaches Academy. These programmes focus on more than just cricket skills, aiming to foster holistic personal development, promote gender equity, and uplift local communities.

CATCH, which stands for ‘Cricket and Talent Centres of Hope’, operates under the belief that “Talent is Universal, Opportunity isn’t”, a powerful message that resonates deeply with Founder and Chairman Gary Kirsten.

Kirsten, a former international cricketer and coach, is committed to offering underprivileged township youth access to quality sports facilities and coaching, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their peers from more affluent areas.

“Cricket is our language, but our work goes far beyond the pitch,” Kirsten remarked. “Ten years ago, I visited Khayelitsha and was shocked to find no sports fields in the township. This inspired me to establish first-class facilities and coaching that would give kids an equal chance at the game of cricket. I’ve benefited from countless opportunities to explore my talents, and through the Trust, we aim to offer the same to talented youngsters, regardless of their background.”

The event will also spotlight the social development initiatives central to the Trust’s work, providing a firsthand glimpse of how CATCH Trust is transforming lives through cricket and beyond.

For more information, please contact:Tim at tim@catchtrust.org

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