For nearly three decades, one event has shaped December in Tembisa into far more than a routine festive season. Philly’s Games, the long-running off-season football tournament, returns once again from 16 to 30 December, delivering 13 days of football, music, and community celebration, with a short break on 25 and 26 December.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What sets Philly’s Games apart is not only the football on display, but the access it creates. For many families in Tembisa and the surrounding parts of Gauteng, travelling to major stadiums to watch professional football remains out of reach. Philly’s Games brings that experience directly into the community, allowing residents to watch talented players perform live in familiar neighbourhood spaces.
Organisers describe the tournament as a community-first platform, designed to remove financial and logistical barriers that often exclude township audiences from live sport. Over the years, that focus has helped Philly’s Games grow into one of Gauteng’s most recognisable grassroots sporting events.
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A 13-Day Festive Season Football Fixture in Tembisa
Philly’s Games has become a firm fixture on Tembisa’s festive calendar. Running across most of December, the tournament provides daily entertainment at a time when schools are closed, families are spending more time together, and communities actively seek positive activities for young people.
Each day features competitive matches across under-13, under-15 and under-17 age groups, giving young footballers rare exposure in front of large, energetic crowds. Beyond youth development, spectators also get to watch local football talent, current PSL players and former professionals competing in the PSL Masters category.
According to organisers, this mix is deliberate. By placing young players and experienced professionals within the same space, the tournament creates an environment where learning happens naturally through observation, interaction, and competition.
Youth Development at the Heart of the Tournament
At its core, Philly’s Games remains a youth-focused platform. For many participants, this tournament offers their first opportunity to play competitive football in front of thousands of spectators.
The exposure builds confidence, sharpens competitive skills and motivates young players to pursue football more seriously. In a province where structured youth sport does not always reach every community, Philly’s Games fills an important gap.
Parents, coaches and community leaders often point to the tournament as a space where discipline, teamwork and ambition are reinforced through sport rather than lectures.
More Than Football: Music, Culture and Festive Energy
While football drives the programme, Philly’s Games has evolved into a broader festive experience. Each day brings more than just matches on the field. Live performances by South African artists and DJ line-ups form part of the schedule, turning the tournament into a vibrant cultural gathering.
This blend of sport and music attracts diverse audiences. Families arrive for the football, young people stay for the performances, and the festive atmosphere keeps the grounds active throughout the day and into the evening.
For many residents, the tournament provides a safe, local alternative to travelling long distances for entertainment during December, keeping both economic activity and social engagement within the community.
A Tournament Rooted in Community History
Philly’s Games is not a new initiative. The tournament has run for 29 years, steadily building a reputation as one of Gauteng’s longest-standing community sporting events.
What began as a neighbourhood competition has grown into a recognised brand within Tembisa, Gauteng and South Africa more broadly. Organisers attribute this growth to strong community support, partnerships with local stakeholders and a consistent commitment to accessibility.
Despite its growth, the tournament has retained its grassroots identity. Local participation remains central, and organisers continue to prioritise reinvestment into the community rather than commercial expansion at all costs.
Why Philly’s Games Matter for Gauteng
At a time when youth development, safe recreational spaces and community cohesion remain pressing challenges, events like Philly’s Games play a critical role in Gauteng.
The tournament contributes in several meaningful ways:
1. Youth Development
Young players gain exposure, experience and motivation to pursue football seriously. For many, this is their first taste of competitive sport at scale.
2. Access to Live Sport
Philly’s Games removes cost and distance barriers that often limit access to live football, bringing the experience directly to the community.
3. Positive Festive-Season Engagement
The event offers structured, positive activities during a period when young people are often most vulnerable to negative influences.
4. Local Economic Activity
Increased foot traffic supports food vendors, informal traders and small businesses operating around the tournament grounds.
5. Cultural Expression
Music performances and DJ sets showcase South African talent and reinforce sport’s role as a cultural connector.
A Platform That Continues to Grow
Despite its long history, Philly’s Games continues to evolve. Each year introduces new talent, fresh performers and growing crowds. Organisers remain focused on celebrating football excellence while staying grounded in community values.
The tournament’s ability to consistently attract PSL players and former professionals adds credibility and excitement, confirming that Philly’s Games is a serious football showcase rather than a casual kickabout.
What to Expect at Philly’s Games This December
From 16 to 30 December, excluding 25 and 26 December, spectators can expect:
- Daily football matches across multiple age groups
- Appearances by current and former PSL players
- Live performances by South African artists
- DJ sets providing a festive soundtrack
- A family-friendly atmosphere rooted in community pride
For residents of Tembisa and visitors from across Gauteng, Philly’s Games offers a festive-season experience built around sport, culture and shared celebration.
Support Community Football and Be Part of the Experience
Philly’s Games proves that powerful sporting experiences do not require world-class stadiums. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen right in the heart of the community.
Whether you are a football fan, a parent supporting young talent, or someone looking for authentic festive-season entertainment, Philly’s Games offers something real and inclusive.
Support local sport. Celebrate young talent. Enjoy live football where it matters most.
For fixtures, performances and updates, visit https://www.phillysgames.co.za/ for more community-driven events shaping Gauteng’s festive season.
Your next great Gauteng experience might be waiting right in your own backyard.
