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James only started playing softball in 2023. \u201cI didn\u2019t even know the rules at first,\u201d he laughs. But something clicked and that year he made the U15A team. By 2024, he was playing for the Open Second Team.<\/p>\nWhile most teens at his school were trying to figure out which single sport to pick in Grade 9, James Brooks\u2019 friend saw something in him before he\u2019d even picked up a glove, and nudged James into softball.<\/p>\n
Fast-forward just two years, and that casual choice has turned into a game-changing opportunity for James Brooks, now in Grade 11 and a boarder at Westville Boys\u2019 High School. He has earned a place on the prestigious All Stars team, and an invitation to travel to Prague, Czech Republic in October, as part of a team from South Africa, in an international softball tour.<\/p>\n
This is no ordinary school sports tour. It\u2019s the result of sacrifice, sweat and serious hustle. Every dive in the dirt, every extra throwing drill, every bruise … all building towards a moment that felt like magic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was one of the proudest moments of my life,\u201d James says about making the team at the IRT Softball Tournament in Limpopo. \u201cThat\u2019s when I found out about the Prague tour. It still feels unreal.\u201d<\/p>\n
James only started playing softball in 2023. \u201cI didn\u2019t even know the rules at first,\u201d he laughs. But something clicked and that year he made the U15A team. By 2024, he was playing for the Open Second Team.<\/p>\n
While some players grow up watching their parents on the field, James is charting his own path. \u201cNo one in my family really plays sport. My dad did bodybuilding and my mom tried CrossFit for a bit, but that\u2019s about it,\u201d he says with a grin.<\/p>\n
When he\u2019s not on the softball field, James is playing water polo (he\u2019s in the First Team) or rugby (currently in the Fourth Team Opens). He trains almost daily, sometimes twice a day, and still finds time to squeeze in extra softball sessions, often on his own or with a teammate.<\/p>\n
Why Softball? \u201cIt\u2019s fast, tactical and fun. And nothing beats the team spirit,\u201d says James who plays outfield. His strong arm and deadly accurate throws make him a real threat to anyone trying to run the bases.<\/p>\n
His first taste of competition came during the Dixon Wessels Softball Tournament in Grade 9. From there the journey snowballed, proving that talent combined with dedication can take you far, even if you start late.<\/p>\n
Now, his next chapter lies 7,800km away. The Prague tour runs from October 5 to 14, bringing together the top All Stars players from across South Africa. The experience promises world-class coaching, high-level competition, and exposure that could open doors to a future playing internationally or at university level.<\/p>\n
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But the cost is heavy. More than R70\u00a0000 to cover flights, accommodation, kit, food, visas and more. And for someone like James, it\u2019s not something he can do on his own.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m the only child of a single mother who is my rock, my role model and my biggest cheerleader,\u201d James shares. \u201cShe\u2019s sacrificed so much to help me chase my dreams – showing up for me, even when she\u2019s tired and worried about how we\u2019ll make ends meet. Despite everything she gives, this dream is still out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n
James knows asking for help isn\u2019t easy, but he\u2019s doing it because he believes in what this opportunity can become. \u201cThis is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It could change my life, but I need help to make it happen. I believe in me. And I believe that with your support,\u00a0 whether it\u2019s through a donation, a share or simply spreading the word, this dream can still become a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
James is currently raising funds through a BackaBuddy campaign and a raffle fundraiser with amazing prizes worth over R30 000. His mom, Charlene, is doing everything she can to support him, but the dream needs a community to come to life.<\/p>\n
James doesn\u2019t just want this for himself. He hopes his story inspires other young athletes to take a chance on sports they\u2019ve never tried. \u201cSoftball\u2019s still small in South Africa. If more kids get involved, we can grow the game and give others the same opportunities I\u2019ve been given.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of his biggest inspirations? Cheslin Kolbe. \u201cHe might not be a softball player, but he is proof you don\u2019t have to be the biggest to make the biggest impact. It\u2019s about work ethic and heart, and I try to bring that into my own game, every time.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the future, James dreams of studying Architecture or Sports Science, possibly abroad, while playing sport at a high level – maybe even professionally. He knows it won\u2019t be easy, but he\u2019s used to chasing goals that seem out of reach.<\/p>\n
Details: If you\u2019re moved by James\u2019s story and want to help him get to Prague, you can contact Charlene at charleneswart1811@gmail.com and you can also follow James on IG: @james._.brooks1 or FB: James B<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While most teens at his school were trying to figure out which single sport to pick in Grade 9, James Brooks\u2019 friend saw something in him before he\u2019d even picked up a glove, and nudged James into softball. Fast-forward just two years, and that casual choice has turned into a game-changing opportunity for James Brooks, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":44137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[11487,2873],"class_list":{"0":"post-44126","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"tag-james-brooks","9":"tag-westville-boys-high-school"},"yoast_head":"\n