Youth Day Festival 2026
Celebrating Youth Through Sport, Community and Connection
Join us for two exciting days of soccer, netball and chess as schools from across Johannesburg come together to celebrate the spirit of Youth Day through healthy competition, teamwork and community pride.
This special annual event celebrates the energy, determination and potential of South Africa’s youth through a vibrant festival of sport, strategy and community spirit.
Bringing together schools, families and supporters from across Johannesburg, the festival showcases exciting soccer, netball and chess fixtures while creating a welcoming environment for students and the broader community to connect and celebrate together.
Event Details
Date / Time: Friday 5 June 2026 from 09h30 to 16h30
Date / Time: Saturday 6 June 2026 from 08h00 to 16h30
Venue: St Martin’s School Hall, 4 East Road, The Hill
Parking on Dallas Road entrance
Guests can look forward to
Exciting soccer, netball and chess matches
A vibrant family-friendly atmosphere
Festival food and refreshments
Entertainment and community spirit
Celebrating the role of youth in SA
Youth Day
Youth Day honours the courage, resilience and determination of South Africa’s young people, while celebrating the important role they continue to play in shaping the future of our country.
The Youth Day Festival seeks to inspire young people through participation, teamwork, leadership and community connection - creating an environment where students can grow both on and off the field.
Tamrin Bartlett - Head of Sport
Message from our Head of Sport
Tamrin Bartlett - Head of Sport
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the St Martin’s School Youth Day Festival 2026.
Over the years, this festival has grown into something far greater than a sporting event. It has become a celebration of youth, opportunity, teamwork and community spirit - bringing together schools, families and supporters from across Johannesburg for a memorable shared experience.
At St Martin’s, we believe that sport and co-curricular activities play a vital role in developing confidence, resilience, discipline and connection among young people. Whether on the soccer field, netball court or chess board, students are given the opportunity to challenge themselves, support one another and grow through healthy competition.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this festival is seeing the sense of camaraderie and encouragement that develops between players, schools and spectators throughout the weekend. The atmosphere created by our community is something truly special.
We encourage families, friends and supporters to come along and enjoy the excitement, entertainment and festival spirit across both days.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Youth Day Festival 2026 and celebrating the power of youth together.
Yours in sport,
Tamrin Bartlett
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand”
Nelson Mandela
NETBALL...
Is Fast-paced • Demands Strategic Thinking • Fosters Teamwork
Requires Agility • Develops Skill • Creates a Sense of Belonging
SOCCER...
• Is a Cultural Phenomenon • Develops Unity •
• Gives a sense of National Pride • Develops Character •
• Develops Skill • Requires Teamwork •