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From the pitch to the party: Y launches First Touch Festival in Joburg

Y takes Joburg by storm with a football, padel and music fest this September and we've got all the info.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
African American female paddle tennis player relaxing on the court and looking at camera. Copy space. 2156874373
Drazen Zigic
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Joburg, it’s time to lace up and lock in. Gauteng’s biggest youth station, Y, is throwing a full-throttle mashup of sport, music and culture, and you’re invited. The First Touch Football and Padel Tournament kicks off at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia on Saturday, 13 September 2025, and it’s set to be way more than just a sports day.

Football meets padel, with a side of Joburg flair

The afternoon line-up is all about high-energy action. Expect five-a-side football matches with celeb captains and special guest players, alongside fast-paced padel showdowns and interactive demos if you’re keen to get involved.

Sixteen teams will take to the pitch, battling it out knockout-style for the ultimate prize: trophies, bragging rights and, of course, the glory. Players can register now to compete in the football tournament or sign up for padel matches here.

From the field to the festival

When the final whistle blows, the vibe switches gears into a full-on festival under the Joburg night sky. The music lineup is stacked with heavy hitters: Ch’cco, Blxckie and Tkcreedlion, plus Club Y stars Thee Buhle, Shakes & Les, DJ Zan-D, GGoldie, Samba and Legendary Crisp. Add food trucks, bars, brand activations and surprise giveaways, and you’ve got yourself a lifestyle experience that ticks every box.

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Why can't you miss it?

This one’s more than sport, more than music, it’s a snapshot of Joburg’s youth culture in motion. Whether you’re chasing goals on the field, picking up a padel racket or just there for the beats and street-style vibes, First Touch is shaping up to be one of the hottest events on the spring calendar.

Event details:

Where: Marks Park Sports Ground, Emmarentia

When: Saturday, 13 September 2025

What: Sports: 12–5pm | Festival: 5–10pm

Tickets from R50

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