CAPE TOWN-The club aims to develop and support the youth in underserved areas where they often face a lack of opportunities, positive role models and safe spaces, explained chair Waleed Allie.
ZAC is open to both serious and leisure runners as well as walkers.
ZAC operates in Steenberg, Lavender Hill and Vrygrond and is described as more than just a running club – it’s become a “community lifeline” by Allie.
“Running is one of the most accessible sports in the world. It requires minimal equipment and can be done virtually anywhere.
“But at Zandvlei, it’s not just about physical fitness, it’s about building mental resilience, teamwork, and life skills. By using athletics as a vehicle, the club is cultivating discipline, self-worth and purpose in youth, who might otherwise be pulled into cycles of poverty, violence, or hopelessness,” Allie said.
The community and sense of belonging some of the youth find in ZAC has become a reprieve from their daily struggles, Allie adds.
“Coming from personal conversations with them, that running makes them feel free, as if the sky becomes their limit. It creates a discipline and perseverance that continues into their school lives, they feel like they belong to a community, they obtain education through sport.”
Despite being a young club, ZAC has consistently entered some of the largest number of juniors in the Western Province Athletics’ (WPA) cross-country league series.
“Our juniors have gone on to complete local races, but beyond the medals and finish lines, the real success is seen in changed attitudes and new aspirations. This kind of impact doesn’t happen in isolation. Zandvlei Athletic Club relies on community support, partnerships, and funding to sustain and grow its youth initiatives.”
Among the challenges the club faces are the need for a proper sports track and gear for competitions
“We are calling on individuals, businesses, schools, and organisations to be part of this movement. Whether it’s donating old shoes, sponsoring a race entry, or simply showing up to cheer – your support changes lives,” said juniors development coach, Valentino Arendse.
.For more info contact Allie at awa1805@gmail.com or on 082 493 2266.
