Connect Festival of Unity 2025

Compete with some of South Africa’s best school teams and celebrate the unifying power of sport in the Rainbow Nation at the Connect Festival of Unity 2025.

Taking place in Cape Town between the 14th – 18th July 2025, the Connect Festival of Unity will see Rugby, Netball, and Hockey school teams taking part in a five-day sports tournament. Our goal is to expose players and coaches to new, enriching experiences and showcase the good that youth sports can do.

We're thrilled to be working alongside Edwin Doran Sports Tours to create a unique opportunity to bring so many young people together from South Africa and the UK & Ireland, using the power of sport to create memories to last a lifetime.

Murray Ingram & Max Benson,
Directors at Connect Academy

Tournament Info

Each school team will participate in three competitive fixtures against South African sides, with a showpiece finale on the third matchday.

Get in touch with our team of experts to find out how your school can get involved. We hope to see you in Cape Town!

To find out how your school can take part in the Connect Festival of Unity, contact our team of experts today.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM AN EDWIN DORAN TOUR to south Africa

Our unparalleled knowledge and expertise mean we can provide you with perfectly-matched fixtures and an experience to remember.

We have in-depth knowledge and reliable contacts in a diverse choice of destinations, from the most popular to those off the beaten track.

All our sports specialists have been on tour at some stage and we understand what it takes to make every sports tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

EXPLORE THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA

We sent the first sports tours into South Africa following the apartheid era and continue to push the boundaries of sports travel today.

Play at exceptional sporting facilities and let us tailor your tour with unforgettable excursions into South Africa’s fabulous Game reserves, unspoiled coastline and unique culture.

What our customers say about us

We know we craft incredible sports tours, but it’s better to hear it from the people who have travelled with us…

STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Hockey & Netball tour to South Africa

“This was a 5* experience for us from the quality of hockey and netball played to the hospitality and range of cultural experiences. By far the best tour I have been on in my tour experience.”

Christ College, Brecon

Hockey & Netball tour to South Africa

“Having toured twice to SA before with ED, I knew that they would provide an excellent tour package, which is exactly what happened. The pupils had fun, were challenged and enriched and have left SA with memories that they will hopefully keep forever.”

SEDBERGH SCHOOL

Rugby tour to South Africa

“We are delighted with the service that Edwin Doran provided us for this tour. Beth Aston and Jamie Anthony were absolutely brilliant throughout the whole tour process and they made our jobs as coaches/organisers of the tour very easy.”

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faq’s

What support will I have from Edwin Doran whilst on tour?

A member of our team will be contactable 24/7 via an emergency number which can be found in your final tour pack. See our full list of accreditations to see how we’re committed to providing sports tours that adhere to the highest health and safety standards.

Do you provide risk assessments?

We can provide information to help you complete your specific risk assessment. Please speak to your Tour Operator regarding any risk assessment queries you might have. As a fully assured member of the School Travel Forum (STF) our health and safety assessments meet the requirements of the STF. We also hold the LOtC Quality Badge.

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes. We provide travel insurance in partnership with Endsleigh Insurance which offers a policy specifically designed for your tour itinerary.

Do you help with visas?

Your specific passport and visa requirements, as well as other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with passport, visa or immigration requirements.

Edwin Doran partners and accreditations