The Story of Mzansi's Rugby Academy
Alex Floyd-Douglass and Barry Scharneck are the co-founders of Mzansi’s Rugby Academy; a new social enterprise based in the heart of South Africa, focused on creating a platform for the youth to gain a step up in life and reach their true potential.
Rugby: A Religion
As a long standing supporter, rugby coach and entrepreneur, Director of Rugby, Barry’s knowledge and passion for rugby has stretched over the last three decades. Rugby was introduced to South Africa in the early 1900s, and since then the game has grown into far more than a sport for all South Africans.
“Rugby is a religion in our country, and finally, it’s played far and wide, and followed by every racial background in South Africa. It may seem small to the observer, but rugby has united a nation, ever since that unforgettable moment back in 1995. The moment Francois Pienaar lifted that trophy next to our beloved Nelson Mandela was the moment that changed South Africa forever. And now more recently, in our Rugby World Cup 2019!” - Barry Scharneck
World Cup Champions 2019
After South Africa’s World Cup-winning Springbok champions returned home, this only further reminded everyone of the inspiring stories of certain local heroes such as; Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi & Lukhanyo Am. The main notion driving the movement of Mzansi’s Rugby Academy is that these individuals were given an opportunity to play the game of rugby and have now defeated poverty and risen up to inspire the next generation of Springboks.
With this in mind, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Co-Founders have seen an insatiable amount of talent in the local youth, yet it saddens them that not more make it to the next level of their potential. This is largely down to a lack of funding, poor equipment and non-playable fields, along with a lack of personnel with the ability to balance their own lives with helping others. This is where they come in.
The Maiden Season Opened - And Closed!
Back in early February 2020, the academy opened for its maiden season, ready to give its youth an opportunity to perform on the grand stage of Eastern Cape Rugby against the top rugby schools in the region. However, unfortunately, due the COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to close for the foreseeable future - though this doesn’t mean the work has stopped! In the future, the academy will take on the role of a feeder, its top players have the chance to be scouted and receive offers towards greater education in the Eastern Cape Province and beyond.
Our Pledge
Mzansi’s Rugby Academy is committed to the future of South Africa and its youth. It will always put its children first, and ensure their happiness and development is at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you for being here! We will be reopening as soon as safe and viable to do so, and very much look forward to our 2021 season and beyond. Feel free to let us know what you think of our mission! - Alex Floyd-Douglass