So much more than just sport
Coaching skills for life
Partner with us as we build a South Africa where every child has access to safe and inclusive spaces.
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Children impacted weekly
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Training sessions since 2015
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Champions trained since 2015
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Partner schools in 6 areas
Aligned with
UN SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 11
Empowering children through the power of sport
CoolPlay is a 15-year-old South African non-profit organisation that empowers children from underprivileged communities with life-changing psychosocial skills through team sports – building character, resilience, and emotional well-being on and off the field.
Get StartedMore than sport — Enables children to be confident, empathetic and resilient leaders
Children in South African townships experience an average of eight traumatic events annually — witnessing gang violence, death, abuse, and living with substance-addicted caregivers. By age 16, they've endured over 100 traumas. With parents often busy or absent, minimal after-school support and overwhelmed schools, these children are left vulnerable to substance abuse, gang recruitment and teenage pregnancy.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Children living in trauma-induced areas learn how to self regulate and handle themselves when under extreme pressure.
Social & Emotional Learning
Critical social and emotional skills are not being taught consistently in the schools or homes where we work. We address this gap head-on.
Academic Success
A learner's ability to succeed academically and professionally is strongly correlated with their social & emotional intelligence.
Lifelong Impact
We set learners up for success as they navigate life, equipping them with confidence, resilience, and the tools to thrive.
Social & Emotional Learning Competencies
+93%
of learners consistently set goals, are excited and motivated to participate in sports
+86%
of learners regularly feel calm and in control of their emotions
+88%
of learners are engaged, find interest in life, and stay positive when facing challenges
+83%
of learners take initiative to support peers and actively recommend the programme
+72%
of learners show understanding and empathy toward others' feelings and experiences
+64%
of learners have trusted people to talk to and feel safe expressing their feelings
Improved academic results among engaged learners
Marked behaviour improvement and better classroom engagement
Reduced misconduct and absenteeism
Children "stand out with confidence, communication, and determination"
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Children impacted weekly
0+
Training sessions since 2010
0
Champions trained since 2010
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Partner schools in 6 areas
Teaching kids skills that last a lifetime
Through a structured team sport programme, we teach 12 CoolPlay Coaching Cards that focus on SEL and mental wellbeing to empower children to succeed in every area of life.
CoolPlay in Action
See our champions and children thriving through sport and psychosocial skills development
Meet the people behind CoolPlay
Our dedicated team of board members, advisors, and management work tirelessly to empower South African youth through sport.
Governance
How you can make a difference
If you understand the value of social & emotional intelligence and the right to play in safety — we'd like your support. Become an advocate for the CoolPlay Way and help us change lives.
Sponsorship Options
Sponsor a Child
R125
per month
Support one child's journey through the CoolPlay programme for a month.
Sponsor a Child
R1,500
per year
Commit to a full year of support for one child's development.
Adopt a Squad
R3,000
per month
Support an entire squad's equipment, coaching, and training needs.
Adopt a School
R12,500
per month
Transform a school's sports programme with comprehensive support.
Adopt a Community
R50,000
per month
Make a lasting impact across an entire community through sport.
Bank Transfer
Quick Donate
Make a quick donation using one of our secure payment methods.
Want to make a hands-on difference?
Give your time and skills to coach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of leaders on the field.
Volunteer Registration
Join our mission. Volunteer. Donate. Advocate.
Trusted by leading organisations
We are proud to work alongside partners who share our vision for youth empowerment and social change.
Let's start a conversation
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, partner with us, or simply learn more about our work, we'd love to hear from you.