Saturday, 12 October 2024 will forever be celebrated as the day when a cricket field next to Dutch Reformed Church Durbanville buzzed with joy – and maybe a bit of heavy breathing too, because barefoot soccer isn’t for the faint of heart! We had the privilege of co-hosting a Soccer Friendly that brought together DRC and URCSA congregations from the Durbanville and Kraaifontein Presbyteries. And it was about more than just soccer – it was a celebration of unity, fellowship and community spirit in the light of God’s grace.

The idea for this joint event grew from a larger vision to promote inter-congregational collaboration, recognizing that we are all part of the same Body of Christ. It began with an unfinished soccer game, where leaders from both presbyteries saw the potential to bring our youth together again to build deeper relationships. Through just a few weeks of prayerful planning, the event became a reality, filled with kicks, laughter, and teamwork. Yes, there were some sceptics at first, but we soon proved that when God’s children come together, miracles happen! The goal was to foster unity and partnership by harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of our youth.

From the very first whistle, the atmosphere was electric! Every team put on their best game face—all with huge smiles. The team chants kicked off a day packed with joy and new friendships. We welcomed participation from the Durbies team, VGK Kraaifontein, NGK Kraaifontein-Noord, Durbanville Gemeente, Fisantekraal’s Barcelona FC, and Parow’s Antioch Reformation Ministry. Even VGK Durbanville, who couldn’t field a full team, came to cheer and support, proving that in God’s team, there are no benchwarmers when we embody the heart of community engagement and solidarity.

The entry fee? Not cash, but something far more valuable: toiletries for the Durbanville Children’s Home. With tinned food, deodorants, toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste, players and spectators gave generously—many of them children who have very little themselves. As Jesus said, “What you did for the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for Me.” In this small act of giving, we were reminded of God’s call to serve and care for one another, especially those in need.

The day was filled with thrilling matches, with the Durbies team claiming the inaugural trophy after a knockout round-robin tournament. Yet, the true victory was the unity, fellowship, and spirit of togetherness experienced by all.

The event’s success was echoed in the feedback from participants:

• Vukile from the Durbies team shared, “Our kids can’t stop talking about the awesome day and look forward to the next one. You put a smile on their faces! Thank you for making the day special!”

• Esther Blackaller, Durbanville Gemeente’s social worker, praised the organizers for their careful planning and cooperation, especially in supporting the Children’s Home: “The entry pass with necessities was spot on. We look forward to the next Soccer Friendly.”
• John Sochop from Barcelona Football Club in Fisantekraal said, “It was a good break away from home. To see the joy of the kids was the best vision for why the day was organized. Our players were excited and overjoyed.”
• Jean van Niekerk, the youth worker from Durbanville Gemeente, added, “Die sokkerdag was ‘n wonderlike geleentheid vir die kinders om op sosiale vlak met die ander gemeentes se kinders te ontmoet. Van klein tot groot het deelgeneem en dit was ‘n dag om te onthou vir elke deelnemer!”
• Chris-Mari Marx from Durbanville Gemeente remarked, “Dit was ‘n verskriklike lekker dag en baie pret! Dit was baie lekker om nuwe mense te leer ken en ‘n nuwe sport te speel. Dit het my geleer oor spanwerk en om net carefree aktief te wees. Om te sien hoe overjoyed almal is oor die klein goedjies en oor ‘n wen was amazing.”
• Rev. Johann Theron from NGK Kraaifontein-Noord shared, “NGK Kraaifontein Noord Jeug het die sokkerdag baie geniet. Daar was ‘n lekker atmosfeer en nuwe vriende is gemaak. Daar het ook baie moeite ingegaan in die organisasie, nogal met pryse en al. Baie dankie aan al die organiseerders en ons sien uit na die volgende jaar se gesamentlike sokkerdag.”

In a beautiful display of sportsmanship and community values, the spirit award was unanimously awarded to a senior boys’ hockey team who had entered! Although older than many of the teams, they were recognized for their outstanding encouragement, friendliness, and support throughout the day – the kind of attitude we could all learn from!

The day showed all of us that unity isn’t so difficult or threatening when you step onto the field together, whether in soccer boots or bare feet. The youth, free from the politics and hang-ups of the adults, simply enjoyed each other’s company, made new memories, and reminded us all what it truly means to “love one another,” as Christ intended.

A special thanks to our co-organizer, Proponent Kholosa Gxabe; all the volunteers and helpers from Durbanville Gemeente and VGK Kraaifontein CYM members; donations and funding received from VGK Kraaifontein congregation and the NG Durbanville Presbytery; Durbanville Primary school for the use of their fields and equipment; Lisa Kayster who volunteered as medical support; referees and support received from Barcelona FC and NGK Kraaifontein-Noord, and Shoprite who gifted Checkers vouchers for the winners.

By God’s grace, we were able to come together for a greater purpose and create a platform that celebrated unity, collaboration, and fellowship—and who knows, maybe we even discovered a few new Messi’s or Ronaldo’s! We are sure this day will forever be remembered as the day when URCSA and DRC made history in the presbytery of Kraaifontein and Durbanville. Glory to God! What a platform, and what a day, because “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)