- The Hout Bay Honey Badgers Rugby Academy, founded by Ed Nisbett, offers children a safe space to learn rugby and develop life skills.
- Inspired by the resilience of the honey badger, the academy emphasizes unity, fun, and hope for kids from diverse backgrounds.
- Nisbett dreams of expanding the program to include multi-sport offerings, nutritious meals, and holistic support for the community.
It all started with a vision. When Ed Nisbett, a physical education teacher and rugby coach at Bishops, arrived in South Africa during the Rugby World Cup last year, he had no idea that a small community in Hout Bay would ignite his passion to bring about meaningful change.
Now, the Hout Bay Honey Badgers Rugby Academy is providing children with more than just a sport it’s offering hope, fun and a safe space.
“I was inspired by the idea of passing the baton,” Nisbett explained. “Rugby has the power to unite people and I wanted to introduce it to children who’d never played the sport before. It’s about creating a space where kids can exercise, laugh and feel like they belong.”
The journey began modestly in a friend’s garden, where Nisbett coached a handful of kids. Seeing their enthusiasm, he realised the potential to scale this initiative and make a lasting impact in the Hout Bay community.
Drawing inspiration from the honey badger, an animal known for its intelligence, determination and resilience, he named the academy the Hout Bay Honey Badgers.
“It’s a fitting name,” Nisbett said with a chuckle. “Hout Bay may be small, but like the honey badger, we’re fierce, resourceful, and determined to grow.”
The academy, which currently trains Grade 1s and 2s, is a mix of boys and girls from diverse backgrounds.
Dreams
Every Monday, they gather on the sports fields at Kronendal Primary School to practise. These fields are provided and serve as a crucial space for the children to learn and play.
“Our goal is to eventually extend the programme to high-school level,” Nisbett shared. “We’re introducing rugby to some kids who’ve never played before, and it’s incredible to see their excitement when they step onto the field.”
For now, the academy relies on a bursary fund that Nisbett set up. The money goes toward essentials like field hire, rugby balls and kit. While sessions cost R90 each, with a monthly package at R360, Nisbett hopes to secure sponsorships to ensure the programme remains accessible to all the children.
But Nisbett’s vision extends far beyond rugby. He dreams of building a clubhouse that offers multi-sport programmes, nutritious meals, homework support and aftercare services. “Sports are just the beginning,” he said. “I want this to be a hub where kids feel supported in every aspect of their lives.”
Despite the challenges, the Honey Badgers have already started to foster a sense of unity in the community. “There’s nothing quite like sports to bring people together,” Nisbett reflected.
As the Honey Badgers continue to grow, Nisbett remains optimistic about the future. “Now, it’s about taking the next steps finding sponsors, expanding our programme, and building a legacy for the community.”
For Nisbett, the journey from England to Hout Bay has been about more than just rugby. It’s been about making a difference one try, one tackle, and one smile at a time. And with the unrelenting spirit of the honey badger, he’s determined to keep the momentum going.
For details, call Nisbett on 063 308 5525.
