Max’s Journey: Crossing the Globe to Become a PeacePlayer
April 19, 2025
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Hello, my name is Max Leimbach. I’m an enthusiastic 19-year-old young man from Bonn, Germany, and since August 2024, I have also been a PeacePlayer. In this blog, I will share how I came up with the idea of doing a year of voluntary community service with PeacePlayers South Africa and what experiences I have had since.
The path to my voluntary service with PeacePlayers began much earlier than one might think. To be honest, it started years ago—where people would least expect it: in everyday life. More specifically, in sports. As a child, I experienced firsthand the profound impact sports can have on people and how essential it is for children’s development. Initially I learned this playing soccer, then boxing, and it was also always present in casual meet-ups where sports brought people together for a good time.
Beyond the physical aspect, the exchange with new people and learning from one another always stood at the core. The human connections formed through sports were simply different—more genuine—compared to everyday life. Early on, I realized how positively sports could influence both society and individual well-being.
Additionally, during my high school years, I had the opportunity to engage in social projects in Thailand and the USA. These early experiences with volunteer work shaped my teenage years immensely and awakened a strong inner desire to keep the energy up in the community and continue to grow beyond my school years.
Combining this with my passion for sports, it was no surprise that I was ecstatic when my German volunteer placement organization introduced me to the opportunity of becoming a PeacePlayer. When I first came across PeacePlayers, I was immediately drawn to its mission: using basketball to unite children and young people, break down prejudices, and foster leadership skills.
My First Days in Durban
The first days in Durban were filled with excitement, new impressions, and the overwhelming joy of finally being a PeacePlayer. Although I was naturally a bit nervous, I was warmly welcomed, which made the transition much easier.
Nasiphi (Director of Strategy and Partnerships), who would become my new neighbor, was the first person I met. Right away, she made me feel safe and welcome. This initial interaction reassured me that the rest of the team would be just as amazing. My expectations were confirmed when we had our first online meeting with the entire team, and any lingering anxieties quickly faded.
One of my most memorable moments was my first outing with my new colleagues to a PeacePlayers activity in Scottburgh. The car ride itself was filled with laughter and great conversations as I got to know some coaches. When we arrived and stepped out of the car, I was hit by the unfamiliar heat and, even more so, by the incredible energy radiating from the players. A highly competitive game transformed into something much greater—a vibrant event filled with pure joy, passion, and a strong sense of community. It wasn’t just a game; it was a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds, united by their love for basketball. Everyone on the court was a leader in their own way.
That day, my main responsibility was to capture on camera as many special moments as possible—baskets, dribbles, and team plays. I must admit, at times, I got so caught up in the game that I forgot to film! By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted from all the new impressions and activities, but rather than thinking about how tired I was, I was already eager to see what the next day would bring.
My Role at PeacePlayers
In the past six months, I have had the privilege of experiencing and learning so much. This is largely due to the diverse nature of my role at PeacePlayers. One of my main responsibilities is media work. This means capturing as much content as possible during training sessions, games, tournaments, and various events. Using my phone, I record moments that later get edited into Peace League highlight videos—some of which you may have already seen on the PeacePlayers South Africa Instagram account!
If you follow us on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, you may have also noticed that on game or tournament days, numerous short stories are uploaded to keep the PeacePlayers community informed about everything happening in our basketball program. Managing social media content is a crucial part of my role, and I absolutely love it. Not only does it allow me to develop my skills in digital media, but it also gives me the chance to explore different parts of Durban and meet new people every day.
Aside from social media, I also assist the programs team in various ways—whether it’s helping purchase food supplies for the kids on game days or setting up events. One memorable experience was when I helped repair broken basketball backboards at Hoy Park just one day before the highly anticipated City-Wide Tournament (CWT). With wooden boards, saws, climbing skills, and lots of teamwork, we managed to get the court in working order in time for the tournament.
Although I enjoy being out and about in Durban, some of my work takes place behind the scenes as well. Recently, for example, I was tasked with identifying potential donors for PeacePlayers. While this aspect of my role is quite different, it has given me valuable insight into the organizational work that happens beyond the basketball court.
Overall, I can confidently say that my role at PeacePlayers is both diverse and rewarding. The mix of tasks I engage in each day gives me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a PeacePlayer.
What I Have Gained from This Experience so far
The experiences I have gathered at PeacePlayers are vast and transformative. Of course, I came with certain expectations, but I underestimated just how many new impressions and lessons I would encounter. One of the most important realizations I’ve had is the significance of teamwork. PeacePlayers is not just an organization—it’s a family. The work we do is incredible, sometimes stressful, but through it all, the support and unity within the team never waver.
No matter what unexpected challenges arise, PeacePlayers stand together, look out for one another, and tackle problems as a team. This sense of solidarity was evident from day one. But it extends beyond just the team—the participants of the program are also treated like family. They are supported through difficulties and genuinely enjoy being part of this incredible community.
What connects us all is, of course, sports. I already knew that sports played a vital role in society, but through PeacePlayers, I have gained a much deeper understanding of its power. Sports serve as a tool for achieving something far greater. It highlights and addresses societal issues. In communities facing social issues such as poverty, violence, or inequality, sport offers a safe space where kids can build confidence, find positive role models, and develop leadership skills. Through regular training, mentorship and competition, sport not only improves physical health but also creates opportunities for personal growth and a sense of belonging. It brings people together who might otherwise never cross paths. It allows individuals to express emotions in a unique way. And most importantly, sports create a space for personal growth—something that is crucial for all of our futures.
