Nelspruit — School kids here will be taking on petty criminals in an innovative sports initiative in which the winners will go on an all-expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom.

Altogether 158 teams are currently playing in a five-month soccer and netball tournament organised by water and waste services provider, the Greater Nelspruit Utility Company (GNUC).

It is the second year the tournament is being held and the games against the prison teams will take place at the prison sports field in Nelspruit under the watchful eyes of prison warders and armed security guards.

"This means a lot to the prisoners. They now practise every single weekend," said David Mathebula, prison head of sports recreation arts and culture.

He said their general behaviour has also improved.

The tournament has grown from 62 high schools that participated last year, to 78 that are expected to participate this year.

"It's becoming more and more popular," said GNUC spokesperson Harold Moeng.

All the schools fall within the Mbombela municipal area and they are expected to comply with South African Football Association and Netball South Africa (NSA) rules.

The winning teams will receive a trophy, gold medals and a soccer ball or netball, a certificate and a cash prize.

The best soccer player and best netball player will each receive a certificate, a trophy, a cash prize and an all expense paid trip to the UK.

If a prisoner is the best player, the UK trip will be postponed until the prisoner is released.

Last year, Nelson Sithole of Bonginhlanhla high school and Thembisile Mdluli of Khutsalani high school were treated to a live match between Manchester United and Leeds as part of their weeklong trip to the UK.

They are now the ambassadors of the tournament and visit schools to encourage children to play sports.

The tournament started in April and the final knockout games are scheduled for 4 September. The prize giving ceremony will be held on 22 September.

The GNUC is also planning to introduce other sporting codes, yearlong development programmes, and a similar project for primary schools.

"We hope that through sports we can give children an alternative to getting involved in bad things," said Mr Moeng. "At the same time, we teach them about water related issues."

The GNUC was awarded a 30-year concession in 1999 to manage water and sanitation services in and around Nelspruit.