Youth radio station, YFM is set to host its inaugural First Touch Football and Padel Tournament, an event that promises to blend sports, music, and culture into a unique day of entertainment. Taking place on Saturday, September 13, at Marks Park Sports Club in Johannesburg, the tournament is designed to bring together football enthusiasts, padel fans, and music lovers for an all-day celebration.
The First Touch Tournament isn’t just a sports competition; it’s an entire experience. The event will feature 5-a-side football and padel tournaments throughout the day, followed by a curated entertainment lineup in the evening. Starting at 12PM, the tournament will run until 5PM, offering plenty of opportunities to watch the action unfold, with a knockout-style football competition and fast-paced padel matches.
Following the sports, from 5 PM to 10 PM, the atmosphere will shift to a music and entertainment-filled festival. This part of the event will include live DJ performances, food trucks, games, and brand activations, offering attendees a mix of sport and leisure all in one space.
In the football tournament, sixteen teams will compete in a single-elimination format, playing 20-minute matches. Each team will be captained by a celebrity leader with special guest players. The winning team will take home trophies, prizes, and, of course, some serious bragging rights.
New to this event is the First Touch Padel Tournament, a fresh addition to the festival that’s bound to grab attention. Padel, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, will feature social matches, influencer showdowns, and interactive demos, where spectators can pick up a racket and try the sport themselves.
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As the sports action winds down, the evening will kick off with a shift in energy. From 5PM onwards, the event will transform into a celebration of music and youth culture, featuring live performances from Ch’cco, Blxckie, Tkcreedlion, and Club Y honourees such as Thee Buhle, Shakes & Les, and DJ Zan-D. Alongside the music, food trucks will be on-site to keep attendees fed and hydrated, and the entire event will be a space to engage with various brand activations.
More than just a tournament, First Touch aims to create a space where communities can come together, celebrate sport, enjoy music, and enjoy some down time. The day is designed to unite people from different walks of life — athletes, fans, and urbanites alike — through a shared love of culture and movement.
The First Touch Football and Padel Tournament will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2025, at Marks Park Sports Club in Johannesburg.
