Playing sports, specifically from a young age is essential for child development. From the physical aspects to creating mental toughness to learning how to play with others and be a part of a team – sport plays a critical role in our lives, especially our youth.

Looking at football specifically, we continue to see an incline in the women’s game, with more young girls wanting to play from an earlier age. 

With a large group of schools and communities promoting this narrative and providing opportunities accordingly, as seen through the successful Discovery JVW Playoffs, which took place in October, we call on the minority to do the same.

The JVW Girls School League is one of the biggest mass participation leagues for girls’ football in Gauteng, South Africa, where over 150 teams participate across three age groups – U15, U17, and Opens.

The weekend of the 1st of October 2023, saw the playoffs take place over a 2-day tournament, at Waterstone College in the South of Johannesburg. With 99 fixtures taking place and 48 schools competing for the title – the energy was incredible.

This game is electric, the game is growing and we are proud to be a part of it.

Promoting girls’ involvement in football creates a new generation of strong and successful female athletes, who become role models for other young girls aspiring to join the sport.

The importance of playing sports in a school setting cannot be overstated, with countless benefits contributing to children’s overall physical, mental, and social development.