Every South African football star has a beginning. Long before the packed stadiums, professional contracts and national colours, many first learnt the game between four bricks on a dusty field, guided by little more than imagination, determination and a love for football.
It is this universal South African experience that inspires Build it’s iPali campaign, “Where the Game Begins” – a celebration of the communities, informal pitches and grassroots programmes that nurture young talent. Bringing this commitment to life is Build it’s continued investment in its 230 U13 Football Tournaments across Southern Africa, which creates opportunities for thousands of young players to turn playground dreams into tangible pathways for growth, development and future success.
The tournament gives grassroots players an opportunity to showcase their skills, compete at provincial and national levels and, most importantly, believe that their dreams can become reality. For nearly two decades, the initiative has gone beyond the game itself, creating pathways for development, mentorship and education while strengthening the communities that nurture young talent.
Chris Quayle, Marketing Executive at Build it says the campaign is rooted in an understanding that every football journey has a beginning, and that communities play an essential role in shaping future champions. “Football is deeply woven into the fabric of South African communities. Long before players step onto professional pitches, their journeys often begin with four bricks marking a goal and a dream that extends far beyond the field. Through our iPali campaign, we want to celebrate these beginnings and continue creating opportunities for young people to develop their talent, build confidence and realise their potential” Quayle concludes.
The Build it U13 Tournaments continues to serve as a powerful proof point of the retailer’s commitment to community development. Every year, the programme reaches thousands of young footballers across Southern Africa, providing a structured environment where talent can flourish and where children learn values that extend well beyond the final whistle.
As Build it continues to invest in grassroots football, the retailer remains committed to creating opportunities that extend far beyond the pitch. By supporting the spaces where young people first discover their potential, Build it is helping to nurture not only future football stars, but also confident, resilient and community-minded leaders
