Kuils River Sport

Established in 1897, the Kuils River Cricket Club stands as the oldest sports club in Kuils River, marking a significant milestone in the community’s sporting heritage. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in fostering a love for cricket among residents.

Kuils River Recreation Club was established on February 13, 1945, through the amalgamation of rivals Young Ideas and Olympics. The historic decision was taken in the St George’s Hall, Main Road, and the new club received the blessing and co-operation of both rev. Banks and the church council of the St. Georges Church. Club activities included soccer, table tennis and physical education. By 1952, only soccer was still being and continued to be played, however in 1970 Kuils River Recreation Club (KRRC) was changed to Kuils River Association Football Club (KRAFC).

In 1963, ground in Mission Road was levelled and grass planted for two soccer fields and a cricket field. In his report of 1964 – 1965, the mayor stated that the fields were ready to be used, but required a committee to oversee upkeep and development of the Sarepta Sports Grounds. The Sarepta Sports Board of Control was constituted on September 1965 and first office bearers were R. Flowers (chairperson), N. du Plooy (deputy-chairperson), F.M. Luttig (secretary) and J.T. Fredericks (treasurer). The ground was officially put into use in 1966.

Kuils River Bowls Club was established in 1976, and quickly became a cornerstone for lawn bowls enthusiasts in the area.

Rugby had taken off as a sport and come 1957 Kuils River Rugby was established. Due to segregation laws and the keen interest in rugby by both whites and coloureds, Kuils River Rugby had an A club and a B club, adding a sadly segregated dimension to the community’s sporting landscape. With the end of apartheid in 1994 and the lifting of segregation in sport, Kuils River Rugby Club was formed, and later their home ground was allocated at Jagterhof sports field. The club is now called Elto-Towers Kuils River Rugby Club due to its sponsorship from a local business.

Kuilsriver Golf Club was officially formed on the 09 October 1982 and offers a 72-par course with beautiful features. This is a full 18-hole parkland layout with some challanging holes to put golfers abilities to test. The club provides recreational opportunities, hosting events, and fosters social connections among members and guests.

Come early 1990’s, the town had grown and soccer was in huge demand amongst the coloured community. Kuils River Association Football Club could not accommodate the influx of youth wanting to play the game officially. It became inevitable that a new club would emerge, driven by the initiatives of some of Highbury’s residents and their youth. Starting out playing Sunday League the players was incredibly eager to play any club up for a game. Eventually in 1994 Highbury United FC was officially registered as a club and has grown to become a key football institution within Kuils River.

Collectively, these clubs have played a vital role in promoting sportsmanship, community pride, and talent development within Kuils River. Their contributions have not only enriched the local sporting landscape but also provided avenues for residents to engage in healthy recreational activities and competitive sports, at various levels.