The LBW Trust (Learning for a Better World) believes education is the pathway to a better future.

Nestled at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) near Cape Town, the Sports Scholarship for Life Skills (SSFLS) program is a testament to the transformative power of sport as a vehicle for education and personal development. With a mission to nurture athletes holistically—academically, physically, and mentally—SSFLS has been a beacon of opportunity for students striving to make a difference on and off the field.
A Holistic Approach to Athlete Development
SSFLS began with a focus on supporting UWC cricketers through sporting scholarships, but its vision has since expanded. Today, it extends its reach to other sports, including women’s sports, producing athletes who have represented South Africa at various levels. These successes are underpinned by a robust philosophy: providing life skills that go beyond athletic prowess to ensure employability and personal success.
The Internship Program: Building Careers Beyond Sport
A standout initiative of SSFLS is its internship program. Initially an informal extension of the sports scholarship program, this initiative has evolved into a structured framework that bridges academic learning with practical experience.
Key features of the internship program include:
- Allied Health Support: Interns in fields like physiotherapy, sports science, and nutrition implement a data-driven wellness program that has improved athlete performance and injury prevention.
- Administrative Roles: Interns focus on fundraising, academic support, and outreach to schools, creating opportunities for aspiring university students.
- Leadership Development: Many interns progress to leadership roles, with alumni securing positions in schools and professional settings.
Women play a prominent role, constituting 60% of the internship cohort. This ensures gender equity in providing professional opportunities and training.
Broader Community Impact
Beyond the university campus, SSFLS extends its reach through a dynamic school program. Alumni and current members work with primary and high schools across South Africa, building sports programs and providing coaching. Recently, this initiative has expanded to include agricultural training, addressing community needs innovatively.
LBW Trust and SSFLS: A Longstanding Partnership
Since 2009, the LBW Trust has supported SSFLS, contributing significantly to its success. While the Trust has urged SSFLS to align more closely with its development philosophy, the partnership has led to the growth of impactful programs like the internship initiative.
In 2023, Jenny Thompson’s visit to SSFLS was a highlight. Interacting with first-class female cricketers, she inspired them to envision cricket as a pathway to broader opportunities. SSFLS also continues to share compelling individual success stories, amplifying the impact of the LBW Trust’s support.
The Road Ahead
SSFLS is exploring innovative ideas for the future, such as:
- Introducing community development internships in partnership with UWC’s Department of Community Development.
- Expanding sports internship initiatives to support neighboring communities.
- Collaborating with organisations like the LBW Trust to broaden their outreach and implement learnings in new contexts.
A Legacy of Success
SSFLS is a remarkable example of how sport can transform lives, fostering academic and professional achievements alongside athletic success. While challenges remain in aligning programs with broader development goals, the program’s track record of producing capable, community-oriented individuals speaks for itself.
The LBW Trust’s ongoing support underscores its commitment to building stronger communities through education and sport. As SSFLS continues to evolve, its impact on South Africa’s youth and its contribution to the region’s sporting legacy remain undeniable.
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Thank you,
The LBW Trust