KNYSNA NEWS - The 2026 Oakhill Co-ed Hockey and Netball Festivals concluded in April, marking a spectacular month of school sports in Knysna.

The event featured six separate festivals spread over three weekends, hosting nearly 1 200 participants from across South Africa. Over 150 hockey matches and 80 netball games were played at the recently enhanced 17ha Oakhill Sports Campus in Welbedacht, as well as the Knysna High Fields.

The Oakhill Co-ed Hockey Festival is a long-standing tradition. Since 2015, the Oakhill Sports Campus has served as the hub for this event, annually drawing thousands of players and spectators to the Garden Route.

This year, history was made with the successful launch of the inaugural Oakhill Netball Festival, which was seamlessly integrated with the hockey fixtures for the U13, U15/16 and U19 age groups.

Over 30 primary and high schools attended, many of them bringing both hockey and netball teams. Some schools even celebrated over a decade of consecutive attendance. Despite the varied weather - moving from rainy starts to clear autumn skies - the spirit of camaraderie remained high as the visitors enjoyed the very best of Oakhill School and Knysna.

Supported by headline sponsor Gryphon, the festival celebrated more than just final scores. True to its ethos, the event fostered skill development, sportsmanship and a sense of community. Oakhill extended its sincere gratitude to the visiting schools, sponsors, local businesses and photographers for making this tradition a resounding success.

View the full gallery and scores: Oakhill Festivals 2026

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