Latest news with #WorldSchoolGames
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Out
From Sandton to the world: Redhill netball team makes history on the world stage
Johannesburg is buzzing with pride after Redhill School' s U17 netball team made history by bringing home gold at the 2025 World School Netball Cup. The Sandton-based school is now officially the first South African school to ever take the top spot in the prestigious international tournament, and they did it with serious style. Held in Loughborough, England, the annual World School Netball Cup attracts the best young talent from across the globe. Redhill not only held their own but dominated the court, outplaying elite teams from Australia, England, New Zealand and beyond to claim the title. This isn't just a win, it's a watershed moment for school sport in South Africa. The Redhill team showed off not just athleticism, grit and technical brilliance, but the kind of teamwork and spirit that champions are made of. "It was surreal and emotional. Seeing our girls lift that trophy after going unbeaten in every match was something I'll never forget,' head coach Ashleigh Gray told TimesLive. 'This was our first time competing in the World School Games, and to walk away not only as participants but as champions, representing South Africa with pride, was a moment of magic,' she added. With netball's profile rising rapidly, especially in the wake of last year's Netball World Cup hosted on local soil, this win adds fuel to the fire. It's a moment of inspiration for the next generation of athletes, and a major reminder that South African teams can compete and win on any stage. This is just the beginning for many of these rising stars. For now, though, Joburg can take a collective victory lap, because Redhill just put us on the map in the most unforgettable way.
TimesLIVE
04-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Redhill School crowned world netball champions in UK tournament debut
Redhill School in Johannesburg has made history by becoming the first South African team to win the World Schools Netball Cup — and they did it on their first try. The U-17 team were unbeaten throughout the tournament, held in the UK, showcasing a structured and composed style of play that set them apart on the international stage. 'It was surreal and emotional. Seeing our girls lift that trophy after going unbeaten in every match was something I'll never forget,' said head coach Ashleigh Gray. 'This was our first time competing in the World School Games and to walk away not only as participants but as champions, representing South Africa with pride, was a moment of magic.' The team had only two months to prepare but managed to beat some of the world's best school teams. The event brought together 46 teams from 29 schools on four continents. The coach attributed their success to discipline, detailed systems and adapting quickly to international umpiring standards. 'Our style of play was different from what other teams were doing. The commentators repeatedly pointed out how structured and composed our game was,' said Gray.
