Premier Skills PE teacher training workshops were recently held in Mahikeng and Burgersfort, South Africa. These sessions, a collaboration between the Premier League, British Council, and SuperSport's Let's Play initiative, aim to equip teachers in under-resourced areas with the skills to deliver inclusive and safe PE.
The training in Mahikeng, held at St Mary's Secondary School, revitalized teachers with a four-day program. Deputy Principal Ramolefe Boitumelo expressed excitement about being selected as a beneficiary, noting the program's benefit to both the school and the wider community.
In Burgersfort, educators at Leolo Technical High School embraced their role as community changemakers. The five-day training equipped them to run engaging PE lessons using local resources. Principal Mathebula highlighted the positive impact on the school's approach to sports since the training and the earlier handover of a SuperSport's Let's Play sports complex.
Since its launch in October 2023, Premier Skills has trained over 700 teachers and coaches across 25 districts. This includes Mahikeng and Burgersfort, with support from SuperSport's Let's Play Centres of Sporting Excellence. These centers provide multi-purpose sports fields and serve as hubs for sustainable physical education.
Graduates also participate in Local Organising Committees, leading community events like the Let's Play Fun Run. Educator Nomthandazo Madlala shared her enthusiasm, noting that teachers are now able to face PE lessons with confidence and relevant knowledge. The initiative motivates them to establish both in- and out-of-school activities to benefit learners.
Through these workshops, Premier Skills is helping teachers deliver structured PE, creating more opportunities for learners to be active and engaged. This promotes growth through sport within their communities.