Over 600 eight-year-olds to take part in Johannesburg’s biggest Grade 3 hockey festival at Roedean School (SA)
JOHANNESBURG, 23 July 2025 – In what promises to be the largest Grade 3 hockey festival in Johannesburg’s history, 600 eight-year-old girls from over 10 schools will gather at Roedean School on 24 July to take part in the Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival.
The festival, sponsored by Old Mutual South Africa, featuring teams from Roedean School, St Mary’s School Waverley, St Stithians, St Teresa’s School, Kingsmead College, Auckland Park Preparatory School, Brescia House School, Assumption Convent School, Holy Rosary School and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, will culminate in evening matches played under floodlights – a first-time experience for most participants.
“Imagine 600 eight-year-olds playing hockey under the lights,” says Ms Marcel Lamont, Head of Sport at Roedean School.
“For many of these children, it will be their first taste of playing in a stadium atmosphere, and we expect it to be absolutely magical.”
The scale of this year’s event is unmatched in junior school sport. With each school entering six to eight teams of eight players, the festival will bring together more Grade 3 hockey players than any previous festival in the region – so many, in fact, that matches will be hosted across two venues: Roedean School and St John’s College.
But beyond the numbers, Roedean School believes that the real story is about introducing South Africa’s youngest hockey players to the sport’s distinct culture of respect and teamwork.
“Hockey teaches children skills you simply can’t impart in a classroom,” explains Lamont. “When an eight-year-old learns to assist a teammate who’s been tackled, or congratulates an opponent after a good game, she’s developing character that will serve her for life.”
The festival format deliberately emphasises participation over competition, with no league tables or knockout stages. Instead, each team plays multiple matches throughout the day, ensuring maximum game time for all the participants.
“We want these children to fall in love with hockey, not be intimidated by it,” says Lamont. “The focus is on fun, friendship and learning the game. The competitive edge can come later.”
The festival also addresses growing concerns about children’s physical activity levels.
Research has suggested that children who participate in team sports develop stronger social skills, higher self-esteem and better communication abilities than their non-sporting peers.
“In an age where screen time dominates, getting 600 kids running around with hockey sticks is exactly what we need,” notes Lamont. “The physical benefits are obvious, but social development is equally important.”
The festival is part of a broader movement across South African schools to make sport more accessible and inclusive for younger age groups. By starting competitive play at Grade 3 level, schools hope to develop deeper sporting cultures and identify talent earlier.
The Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival runs from 3pm to 8pm on 24 July 2025 at Roedean School, with the floodlit evening session starting at 5pm.
