Fairtree Sportfees creates a new playing field that is shifting boundaries
The first Fairtree Sportfees powered by STADIO, will be hosted from 24–27 April 2026 at Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria – a sports tournament aimed at raising the standard of South African school sports and creating a highly respected national tournament for rugby, netball, and hockey.
The vision for the festival is clear: “to push boundaries in order to offer a highly respected tournament to a broad school market.”
With teams in the under-15 and under-18 age groups (rugby and netball), as well as under-18 boys and girls (hockey), the festival offers schools a unique opportunity to compete on a national platform, grow, and further develop their sporting standards.
A strategic partnership to develop champions
The festival is presented in partnership with Fairtree, STADIO, and Duitser Bosman Sport (DB Sport) – an organisation with many years of experience in the school sports market.
Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s world-class facilities provide the ideal home for a festival focused on developing top-level sport.
According to Barry van Blerk, marketing manager at Fairtree, this partnership is an investment in the future of young sporting talent.
“Fairtree wants to add value by giving more children the opportunity to play on a respected platform and be noticed,” says Van Blerk. “Menlopark is a school with a proud name and history, and excellent facilities, making it a privilege to be associated with them.”
Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s principal, Kobus Hartman, says the school looks forward to helping shape a new era in school sports.
“For Menlo, it is a privilege to welcome several strong schools to our grounds, and we would like to optimise our top facilities with this tournament,” Hartman confirmed. “Menlo hopes we can build a tournament that will add value to SA School Sports for many years.”
A tournament that promotes preparation and performance
Tournament organiser Duitser Bosman of DB Sport believes the festival will change the way schools approach their season.
Bosman emphasises the value of the main sponsors:
“In Fairtree and STADIO, we have two founding sponsors who are currently very dynamically involved in South African sport. We are privileged that they are starting this journey with us – one we believe will continue for many years – and that they will provide many schools with a sought-after platform on which to compete.”
“Schools’ preparation for a season improves when they know a tough tournament lies ahead,” Bosman said. “We believe many schools that take their sport seriously will use the opportunity to showcase how their standard of sport has progressed. We want to build the profile of this high-performance tournament so that schools will want to participate, and we want the experience to be truly unique for the young athletes and coaches.”
“Our hockey division is already full, and there are only a few spaces left in rugby and netball for schools that are serious about their sport. Visit our website (www.fairtreesportfees.co.za) to apply for participation or to find out more about the sports festival.”
Festival features and offerings
• A top-quality tournament for schools with exceptional sporting ambitions.
• Rugby: 2 matches per team against opponents outside their province.
• Netball and Hockey: Competition model that determines a champion.
• Fixtures for all three sports will be announced on 20 January 2026.
• Full match durations according to national standards.
• No entry fees for participating schools.
• Learners in school uniform: free entry.
The festival is supported by a comprehensive media strategy, including live broadcasts, a national media partner, and local radio activations
