Latest news with #AshtonInternationalCollegeBallito


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ashton teen inspires groundswell of sports equipment generosity
In a moving bid to make hockey more accessible, Salt Rock teenager Matthew Sanders collected 60 hockey sticks, 80 balls and five bags. The matric pupil at Ashton International College Ballito was inspired to help after seeing the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge's annual equipment drive advertised. He took to social media, rallying support on the North Coast and collecting the haul of pre-loved gear. At the Grand Finals of the competition in Kloof on July 26, Matthew handed over the equipment, which will be distributed to aspiring young hockey players in need. 'You never quite know the ripple effect of giving until you see the smiles, the gratitude and the joy it brings,' said tournament director, Les Galloway. 'We would like to thank every team that contributed to our drive and especially this young man Matthew for his effort in bringing in this 'haul' – it will make a real difference. 'Matthew's selfless act stands as a shining example of youth leadership and the power of community collaboration. His story is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change.' Matthew was joined at the event by friends Tina Sarafidis and Anna-Maria Angelopoulous, who supported his initiative. Now in its 15th year, the competition spans 10 regions across the province. This year's tournament concluded with St Mary's clinching the title, while Ashton proudly secured third place – its best finish in tournament history. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.


The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Winning winter break for Ashton sports teams
Ashton International College Ballito's senior college stars enjoyed a successful school holiday sports campaign. While most people were enjoying the Ballito Pro or away in the Midlands and Drakensberg, Ashton's youngsters were participating across KZN at various winter festivals. There were provincial caps and awards handed out too – read on for a snapshot of the school's recent sports activities. The Ashton girls' 1st football team competed at the Kearsney Festival and won the Plate Final after beating Trinity House 3-0 in the Plate final at the Kearsney Festival last weekend. Kitari van Straaten and Nonkosi Xaba were selected for the Girls' Tournament XI. Hockey stars Jaiden Krambeck and Kaiden Webster were part of the 16-man KZN squad – coached by Ashton 1st team head coach, Keegan Gibbon – which achieved bronze at the 2025 Regional Inter-Provincial Tournament at Michaelhouse. Sasha-Lee Smaldon and Madison Uys – captain and vice-captain of the U19 iLembe Netball team – finished third in the Telkom Netball League. Jared Scheepers represented the Sharks XV at the Reitz VKB U19 Week and was selected as the 'Best Lock'. Jessica Kock (Form 3) and her doubles partner Courtney Kemp were runners up in the girls doubles final at the recent American Express Super 8 KwaZulu-Natal tennis tournament. Emmerson van Zijl was part of the U16A girls' KZN Coastals team that went undefeated and clinched the national title at Hilton College, beating Eastern Province 4–2 in the final. KZN Coastal Hockey Achievements – July 2025. Aside from Van Zijl, a number of Ashton's senior college girls represented successful KZN Coastal teams at prestigious hockey tournaments during the July holidays. Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPT) U14A – Gold Medalists: Amber van den Hoogen and Kimberly Johnson Amber van den Hoogen and Kimberly Johnson U16A – Gold Medalists: Emmerson van Zijl Emmerson van Zijl U16B – 9th Place (A Section): Lauren Kenny Lauren Kenny U18A – Silver Medalists: Morgan Nel and Nonkosi Xaba Morgan Nel and Nonkosi Xaba U18B – Silver Medalists (B Section): Anna-Maria Angelopoulos Regional Tournaments U14C – Gold Medalists: Aymee Tilbrook and Caylea Duncan Aymee Tilbrook and Caylea Duncan U16C – 8th Place: Madison Miller 'We are incredibly proud of each of you for your commitment, resilience and excellence on the field,' said Ashton head of media, Morgyn Prinsloo. 'Their achievements reflect not only their talent but also the spirit of Ashton. Keep inspiring us with your passion and drive – well done, girls!' KZN Action Netball Awards 2025 There were plenty of prizes for Ashton's talented netballers at the recent KZN Action Netball Awards. Michelle van Heerden collected three awards. She was awarded the Most Dedicated Player of the Year for KZN U16A Action Netball team, the Most Dedicated Player of the Year for the KZN U21 6s and Player of the Year U21 KZN side. Lauren Kenny got awarded Player of the Year KZN U16B team. Madison Uys was voted Most Promising Player of the Year for the KZN U17A team and Breakthrough Player of the Year for the KZN U21s. Sasha-Lee Smaldon was awarded Players' Player of the Year U21 KZN and Most Dedicated Player of the Year for the U21s. Ashton International College Ballito – Senior College Holiday Football Results: June 27 – July 21, 2025 Boys Soccer Kloof High u19 National Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Won George Campbell 5-1 1st Lost Virginia 0-5 1st Won Kearsney 4-3 1st Lost Mondeor 1-5 1st Lost DHS 1-4 Boys Soccer Kearsney 1st Team Soccer Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Lost Curro Hazeldean 0-2 1st Lost Durban High School 1-4 1st Lost Siyajabula 1-5 1st Lost Sutherland 1(0)-1(2) 1st Lost Maqhutshana 1(2)-1(4) Boys Soccer Neil Tovey U14 Soccer Tournament at Northwood School TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 14A Lost Queensburgh 0(9)-0(10) 14A Won Kearsney 3-2 14A Lost Westville 1-5 14A Won Northwood 0(2)-0(1) 14A Won Northwood Inv 0(3)-0(2) 14A Lost Glenwood 1(3)-1(4) 14A Won Queensburgh 0-2 Girls Soccer Kearsney 1st Team Soccer Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Lost Danville Park 0-1 1st Drew Curro Hazeldean 1-1 1st Won Sastri College 4-0 1st (Plate semi-final) Won Crawford La Lucia 2-0 1st (Plate Final) Won Trinity House 3-0 Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.


The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
A new crèche and fishing stars in the flesh – school news to catch up on
A new crèche and fishing stars in the flesh – school news to catch up on Little Squirrels have space to grow A brand-new crèche at Mandini Academy has expanded the educational offering in the town. Officially unveiled on Monday, Little Squirrels crèche will enrol children from the age of three months and up, allowing pupils to remain at Mandini Academy – previously Grade 0 to 12 – for their entire school career. 'Little Squirrels has been established in response to the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care in the Mandeni area,' said Mandini Academy principal Desigan Pillay. 'The crèche offers a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment tailored to the developmental needs of infants and young children.' 'This is where our usual 95 to 100 percent pass rate in Grade 12 begins,' said Pillay. Easter fun at Ashton Ashton International College Ballito's young Ashlings delighted parents and staff during their Easter assembly. The youngsters paraded colourful bonnets which they had decorated, showing off their creativity with pride. Principal lands angling honour Crawford International North Coast preparatory principal Justin Paynter will select the country's next great deep sea anglers. Paynter, an accomplished angler in his own right, has been appointed as a selector for the SA Deep Sea Angling Association. He will draw on his personal experience, which includes national colours for angling and multiple leadership roles at the Durban Ski Boat and Point Water Sports Clubs, to ensure the best up-and-coming anglers are given their opportunities to shine. When not actively fishing, Paynter writes a regular column in Ski-Boat magazine and champions junior development and education. Trent hooks national title Promising angler Trent de Bruyn recently won rookie of the year at the SABAA Junior Bass Fishing Nationals. The Ashton International College Ballito Grade 9 pupil also helped his province to the overall team title while fishing at his first nationals in Witbank. His excellent performance in tough, wet conditions saw him place second nationally and a nomination to represent South Africa in an international tournament later this year. Olivia dances her way to world finals Ashton International College Ballito ballerina Olivia Wynne has qualified to represent South Africa at the Dance World Cup in Spain later this year. The Grade 8 pupil earned her place by way of some fantastic performances at the Dance World Cup qualifiers in Pretoria, where she represented the Break-Thru Dance Academy. She qualified in the ballet, contemporary and showstopper categories as a soloist and as a member of Break-Thru's senior elite team. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
23-04-2025
- The Citizen
Ashton International College Ballito learners scoop top honours in 2024 Cambridge Awards
Ashton International College Ballito has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence by leading the way in the Cambridge International Education Outstanding Learner Awards South Africa for 2024. The following learners earned standout results: Matthew Thomas Latham achieved Top in the World in IGCSE™ physical science (November 2024). Emily Grace Biebuyck finished Top in South Africa in AS Level environmental management (November 2024). Yashin Arjoon came Top in South Africa for AS Level accounting (November 2024). Amber Elizabeth Tilbrook earned High Achievement in A Level psychology (June 2024). Weilun Yan was awarded High Achievement for IGCSE™ music (November 2024). The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards recognise exceptional learner achievement in Cambridge examinations around the world. 'High Achievement' is awarded to learners who have achieved outstanding results in subjects which are not so widely taken and which, under the current criteria, would not qualify for 'Top In' awards. 'Top in' awards are given to students who have achieved the highest mark in a given subject in the country or world. To find out more, visit or contact the school directly at scadmissions@ Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!