Soccer and netball teams from across Windhoek and Swakopmund showcased their talent, determination and teamwork during the Old Mutual Street Sports Namibia monthly finals, as the growing community initiative continued to bring together players, supporters and families through sport. Backed by an almost N$1 000 000 investment from the Old Mutual Foundation, the programme is creating opportunities for youth development, entrepreneurship and community engagement across participating towns.

The monthly finals marked the culmination of several weeks of league action, with teams competing for honours in five-a-side football and Fast5 netball.

In Swakopmund, Kolumbia claimed first place in soccer, followed by TFC 1 in second place and TFC 2 in third. In netball, Sherwie’s Dynamite took first place, S. Dentlinger Builders finished second and Zenzi’s Netball placed third. In Windhoek, Ons Almal secured first place in soccer, with Matro in second and Tsau Ta Go in third. In netball, Brakwater NC claimed first place, followed by Black Diamonds in second and Golden Stars in third. The monthly finals drew enthusiastic support from local spectators and highlighted the growing popularity of the initiative within participating communities. 

Supported by the Old Mutual Foundation and implemented by Unmatched Potential, Street Sports Namibia is designed to be more than a sporting competition. The programme combines sport with youth development, entrepreneurship and community activities, creating opportunities for young people to learn new skills, build networks and unlock their potential.

The initiative has already gained encouraging momentum since its launch, particularly in Windhoek, where participation has steadily increased and community interest continues to grow. Beyond the action on the field, the programme provides a platform for local entrepreneurs, vendors, volunteers and young talent to actively participate in community development initiatives.

"The Old Mutual Foundation is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young Namibians while strengthening the communities in which we operate," said Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia. "Sport has a unique ability to unite people, inspire confidence and create a sense of belonging. Through Street Sports Namibia, we are helping to create a platform where young people can develop their talents, build valuable life skills and access opportunities that extend beyond the sporting arena."

Etienne Raymond, Founder and CEO of Unmatched Potential, said the success of the monthly finals demonstrates the growing value of sport as a catalyst for positive change.

"What has encouraged us most is seeing communities make this initiative their own. Every weekend, we see young people coming together to compete, support one another and build meaningful connections. While the finals celebrate sporting achievement, they also showcase the wider impact of the programme in creating opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship and giving young people a positive platform to showcase their talent and potential. This is exactly the kind of transformation we envisioned when we launched Street Sports Namibia."

The Street Sports Namibia initiative forms part of a six-month partnership between the Old Mutual Foundation and Unmatched Potential and is currently being rolled out across Windhoek, Swakopmund and Ondangwa. Since its launch, the programme has attracted strong community interest and participation, reinforcing the need for sustainable platforms that combine sport, skills development and empowerment.

As the initiative continues to grow, attention is now turning to the northern regions, where teams will soon have the opportunity to enter the competition and begin their journey towards future monthly finals. Soccer and netball teams interested in participating are encouraged to register through the Street Sports Namibia website or follow the initiative's social media platforms for information on registration dates, fixtures and upcoming league activities.

The programme's reach is also set to expand further across northern Namibia, with additional finals planned in the region as participation continues to grow. Teams interested in joining future competitions can still register by visiting the Street Sports Namibia website or following the organisation's social media platforms for registration details, fixtures and upcoming event information.

As leagues continue across participating towns and preparations get underway for broader participation across the country, organisers remain focused on expanding access to the programme, strengthening community involvement and creating sustainable opportunities that empower young Namibians to realise their full potential.