The FNB U18 Craven Week and FNB U18 Girls Week kick off simultaneously at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Monday, marking the first time both tournaments have been staged at a single venue. The format mirrors the approach used at the U16 weeks in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month, with 32 provincial teams converging on the Eastern Cape venue.
The week carries added significance for the women's game: at its conclusion, SA Schools Girls teams will be named for the first time. Former Springbok Women's players Natasha Hofmeester and Zolisa Noxeke have been appointed as the inaugural coaches of those sides. Lwazi Zangqa and Flash Malinga will coach the two SA Schools Boys teams. The four SA Schools matches are scheduled for Thursday, 17 July at Grey High.
The FNB U18 Craven Week runs across five match days from 6 to 11 July, with 16 teams competing. Western Province, who went through the 2025 competition unbeaten, open against hosts Eastern Province on Monday afternoon. The tournament's first fixture sees Boland face the Leopards at 09h30, followed by Free State v Limpopo Blue Bulls and Sharks v South Western Districts.
The FNB U18 Girls Week operates over three match days — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — also featuring 16 teams. Western Province, who beat the Golden Lions in the final fixture of last year's competition, open against the Pumas on Monday. KwaZulu-Natal face Boland in the Girls Week's opening match at 09h30 on the B-Field.