July 2026
Youthful Impact 1300 is underway
NYS Phase 5 launches with 650 youth in the first cohort.
Read more
North West, South Africa · Est. 2019
Emancipatethe dream
We fund the coaching that talent deserves.
Athletes In Need turns sport into opportunity for young South Africans who have the talent — but not the resources. We back them with everything it takes to go all the way.
Who We Are
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. We close that gap.
Founded in 2019 in the Khuma and Ikageng communities, Athletes In Need has grown from a single fixture list into a national movement — funding coaching, kit, bursaries and jobs, and measuring every outcome along the way.
Read our story →0+
Jobs created, Phases 3 & 4
0
Youth opportunities · Phase 5
0
Sites across five provinces
0
Bursaries & scholarships
Our Belief
Sport doesn’t just make athletes. It makes futures.
Give a young person a ball, a coach and a reason to believe — and you change the direction of an entire community.
What We Run
Programmes that move people forward
From national youth service to grassroots coaching — live initiatives changing outcomes right now.
Programme photo
Current · NYS / AIN Phase 5
Youthful Impact 1300
1 300 young people placed into meaningful work, skills training and community service.
Programme photo
Current · Coaching & Sport
Coaching & Sports Development
We adopt local schools, run community tournaments and open doors to accredited coaching for young people.
Why It Matters
Real change you can count
We follow the numbers because young people deserve more than good intentions. Here is a fraction of the track record.
Explore Our Impact700+ jobs createdThrough the National Youth Service employment programme, Phases 3 and 4.
60 coaches certifiedTrained in basic coaching skills with North West University.
Four women qualified as techniciansIn air conditioning and refrigeration, 2022 to 2024.
News & Events
Latest from Athletes In Need
2025
Chairperson named youth ambassador
Chosen by the Department of Social Development to represent the North West.
Read more
July 2026 · Programme
Youthful Impact 1300 is underway
Athletes In Need has been allocated 1 300 opportunities under the National Youth Service Phase 5, and opened the programme with 650 young people in the first cohort.
Participants are placed across 169 sites in five provinces, taking part in community work, sports and wellness, early childhood development, environmental education, health support and food gardening, while building skills that lead to work. We also mentor two local NPOs: the Kagiso Lerefolo Foundation and the Youth Courage Arts, Culture & Sports Foundation.
Recognition
Chairperson named youth ambassador
Our founder and chairperson, Busang Obakeng Molekane, was selected by the Department of Social Development to represent the North West as an ambassador for youth-owned non-profits, contributing to a national documentary on resilient youth. He has also joined a national panel alongside Dr Khumalo, the youth icon Zola 7, and PSL CEO Ace Ncobo.
Event · Annual
The Sportistic College Cup
Our flagship tournament brings scouts, sponsors and hundreds of young athletes together to compete and be seen. Supported by Blue Ribbon, it has become a highlight of the North West sporting calendar. See the full set of photos in the Gallery.
Be part of the dream
Whether you sponsor a cohort, donate kit or volunteer your time — you help a young athlete go further.