Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, Y is bringing back First Touch for a second year, inviting Jozi’s young, energetic and sport-loving communities to lace up, lock in and get into the game.

Returning to Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia next Saturday, 12 September 2026, First Touch brings together the competitive energy of 5-a-side diski and padel with the unmistakable sound, culture and lifestyle of Y.

First Touch returns with an even bigger and more immersive celebration of culture, bringing together football, padel, music and community for a full day of sport, entertainment and good vibes. Building on last year’s successful debut, the event will see teams go head-to-head for their share of R25 000 in prizes, while spectators and supporters can enjoy live music, food, drinks and interactive brand activations throughout the day.

Setting the tone for the experience is an exciting entertainment line-up featuring Y’s own Thatohatsi, XDuppy, Uncool MC, Masterpiece YVK, Shakes & Les, W4de, Venom, DJ Tshegu, Pedabotic and K1llbrady, ensuring the energy stays high long after the final whistle. The football action will feature personalities including Masterpiece YVK, Uncool MC and Major Steez taking to the pitch as captains, while the padel experience will be curated by Ayanda MVP, DJ Fae Fae, Fif_Laaa, Hey Shawty and Perceey ASF.

Adding a new dimension to the First Touch experience this year, attendees and runners can kick-start the day with a morning run hosted in collaboration with the Vault Strength Club (VSC). The run will kick off and end at Mark’s Park, with VSC bringing its wider community together. The run is open to everyone, inviting runners and fitness enthusiasts to join the movement before making their way to First Touch, bringing fitness and good energy into the programme.

GET IN THE GAME

The sporting action takes centre stage, with participants invited to compete in 5-a-side diski and padel. Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch to prove your squad has what it takes, picking up a padel racket for the first time, or simply coming through to support your friends, First Touch is designed to make sport accessible, social and fun. And with R25 000 in prizes up for grabs, there’s plenty to play for.

FROM GAME DAY TO GOOD VIBES

Once the whistle blows, First Touch is on. Y will transform Marks Park into a lifestyle playground, with live DJs, food and drinks and immersive activities creating the perfect atmosphere for teams, friends and fans to hang out, connect and enjoy the perfect day out.

It’s an experience that reflects what Y does best: bringing together music, youth culture and real-life experiences in spaces where its audience can show up, participate and be themselves.

       “First Touch is not just about who wins games,” says Y Marketing Manager Fanele Moloi. “It’s about creating a space where young people can come together, compete, have fun and experience the energy that makes Y such a powerful part of youth culture. After the incredible response to our first edition, we’re excited to bring First Touch back for 2026 and make it even bigger.”

PULL UP WITH YOUR SQUAD

So whether you’re chasing the trophy, testing your skills on the padel court, supporting your favourite team or simply looking for a different way to spend your Saturday, First Touch is where sport meets the Y experience. So grab your team, bring your friends and get ready for a day of competition and connection.

At its heart, First Touch was created to bring people together through the things that define a new generation – sport, music and culture. With its winning formula returning bigger and better for 2026, First Touch offers an opportunity to pull up with your squad, get active, connect and experience a day built around the culture that brings the community together.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Y’S FIRST TOUCH 2026

Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Times: 6:30AM Morning Run | Sports Tournament: 9AM–5 PM | Fest Experience: 10AM–8PM
Sports: 5-a-side Diski & Padel
Prizes: R25 000
Tickets: Limited tickets available HERE
 

For tickets, team registrations and any other information, visit YWorld.co.za and follow @YFM across social media.