About SS4LS
Sport Skills for Life Skills (SS4LS) operates as an independent NGO on the campus of the University of Western Cape in Cape Town.
The SS4LS is a development-focused commitment where entry into the program is contingent on students being members of vulnerable and economically marginalised communities.
The program’s philosophy is that success connected with sport can be a pathway to advancement for these communities.
SS4LS places a strong emphasis on positive youth development, nurturing Lerner’s five Cs — competence, confidence, connection, character and caring — through its programme activities. In doing so, participants are encouraged to develop a sixth C: contribution, creating meaningful impact within their communities and wider society.
Embedding the value of contributing towards the development of society in each participant’s unique way.
The LBW Trust and Sports Skills 4 Life Skills
Sport Skills for Life Skills (SS4LS) is the first educational partner of The LBW Trust.
The LBW Trust’s commitment to Sport Skills for Life Skills (“SS4LS”) involves sponsoring all academic expenses for around 7 to 10 students each year.
The students, selected based on economic disadvantage, come from marginalised communities in South Africa or Zimbabwe.
To qualify for SS4LS, students must participate in the UWC sports program, which has traditionally centred around cricket and was initially open to male students only, but now includes women and women’s sports.
SS4LS conducts research and background checks, providing detailed CVs and references for the Trust’s approval.
Unlike our other partners, sport is central to the SS4LS model. Students are either promising cricketers or show potential in contributing to the programme through the internship programme as coaches, sport administrators, physiotherapists, S&C’s, biokineticists, dieticians, mentors, tutors, academic support or general administrative support.
2008
The LBW Trust commits to support students on sport-related scholarships from disadvantaged backgrounds, affiliated with the University of Western Cape.
2013
9 Students
2019
LBW sponsors 18 students, with 5 new students being female with Increased funding to expand the women's program
2023
60% of students are now women.
Dive deeper into The LBW Trust’s support for SS4LS
The Story of SSFLS in 2024
Holistic athlete development: Academics, sports and life skills at SSFLS.
Emilia’s Story with SS4LS
Emilia’s path to SS4LS reveals passion through unexpected career turns.
Rural Zimbabwe to Global Impact
Victor excelled in sports, academics and entrepreneurship, giving back through SS4LS.