William Solomon, Operations Executive – Edwin Doran Sports Tours
Sport has been at the heart of William’s life since he was old enough to throw a ball. Rugby and cricket were his first loves, and he still plays both competitively in the Cape Town club leagues. His favourite sporting memory came in 2014, when his rugby team won the league for the very first time – an unforgettable moment achieved with a group who always put the team before themselves. That spirit of connection, teamwork and shared success continues to inspire William in everything he does today.
This summer, Cape Town became the stage for something extraordinary. The Festival of Unity brought together 19 UK schools and 23 South African schools, uniting 2,500 players across rugby, hockey, and netball. Over six action-packed days, students competed in more than 130 matches, forging friendships and unforgettable memories that stretched far beyond the pitch.
But this was more than just a sporting event. It was a celebration of what happens when schools, communities, and cultures come together through sport.
Talent over funding
The Festival of Unity was jointly run between Edwin Doran Sports Tours and Connect, ensuring that talent – not funding – took centre stage.
Connect, based in South Africa, works to use the sports industry to nurture young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, unlocking their full potential in the professional and adult world. With consistent access to quality resources and opportunities, Connect is committed to developing the nation’s next generation of well-rounded, independent young adults. Their vision is to create community leaders and shining examples of what South Africa’s youth can achieve when given the support they deserve.
As Jamie Anthony, Head of Sales for Edwin Doran, explained:
“Sports development is about access to resources and opportunities. That’s really what we’re trying to do – help these kids test themselves against children from another country, and see how good they could become.”
Why it matters for schools
Teachers and Group Leaders know how powerful sport can be in shaping young people. A festival like this is more than fixtures and results. It’s about building confidence, resilience and friendships that last far longer than the trip itself.
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Benefits for students:
• Exposure to different playing styles and standards.
• The chance to build friendships across continents.
• Growth in independence, respect and cultural understanding.
Benefits for group leaders:
• A structured, well-supported programme (you’re not doing it alone).
• Fixtures matched to ability, so every student gets a positive experience.
• Dedicated staff on the ground to make logistics smooth and safe.
“The power of sport brings people together. That’s just why it’s so good. It doesn’t really matter where you’re from.”
– Teacher, English School
Voices from the Festival
What made the Festival of Unity so memorable were the stories shared by students, teachers and coaches:
“It’s great to see so many people coming together from across the globe. Fantastic competitions, really well organised.”
– Student, English School (Hockey)
“The boys definitely made it the experience of a lifetime, from the way they’ve conducted themselves.”
– Teacher, English School
“We made friends and exchanged Instagrams. Everyone makes you feel so welcome – I actually love South Africa.”
– Student, English School (Netball)
“We don’t have much at the school, so they gave us sticks and shoes. That was very special.”
– Coach, South African School (Hockey)
“For them to be on a rugby field instead of the streets is major.”
– Connect Coach
Building on a legacy of sport and connection
The Festival of Unity isn’t only about matches. It’s about opening doors and giving young people opportunities they might never otherwise have.
“Sports development is about access to resources and opportunities. That’s really what we’re trying to do: help kids test themselves against others, and see how good they can become.”
– Jamie Anthony, Head of Sales, Edwin Doran and MasterClass Sports Tours
This year’s event also included cultural experiences – from Table Mountain to Robben Island – reminding everyone that the trip is about more than sport.
Looking ahead: Festival of Unity 2027
With the success of this year’s Festival, attention is already turning to Festival of Unity 2027. The vision is simple: build on the spirit of 2025 and the upcoming 2026 edition, make it even bigger, and keep sport at the heart of cultural exchange.
For Group Leaders, this means:
• Confidence: knowing students are safe and supported.
• Support: expert staff on hand before, during and after the tour.
• Empowerment: the chance to deliver a life-changing experience.
• Smart choices: time and cost efficiencies, with tried-and-tested itineraries.
And for students? The chance to play, learn and grow – on and off the pitch.
“Some of the scenes you see, where they’re mingling after the games, are really special. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
– Pete Robertson, Sales Manager, Edwin Doran Sports Tours
The Festival of Unity is about more than fixtures. It’s about hope, opportunity and the friendships that sport makes possible. The Festival of Unity 2025 showed us what can happen when young people from different worlds come together. The Festival of Unity 2027 promises even more.
Are you ready to be part of it? Send us a message via our online enquiry form or call the Edwin Doran team on 020 3617 7983 to secure your place at the Festival of Unity 2027.
Hockey
South Africa
Netball
Rugby