Melissa Sall believes supporting women’s football is about far more than placing a logo on a jersey.

Through her non-profit organisation, Phoenix Elite SA, Sall works to create opportunities for young women both on and off the football field. The annual Phoenix Elite SA Games at Boksburg Stadium next month form part of the organisation’s drive to give back to the sport.

Born out of Sall’s logistics business and her passion for football, Phoenix Elite SA has adopted the slogan ‘opportunity meets purpose’, with its primary focus on women’s football.

The organisation has supported clubs including JVW, Springs Home Sweepers and Absalom Tete FC. Sall previously supported Black Ball United.

However, she says the NPO’s focus goes beyond simply providing financial sponsorship to clubs.

“Our focus is more the individual,” she said.

That support takes many forms, including providing sanitary products, food and other essentials to players who face challenges away from the pitch.

One of Sall’s biggest concerns is the lack of proper nutrition among young footballers.

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She said some players leave home as early as 04:00 to travel to their clubs, often without having eaten breakfast, before being expected to perform on the field.

“When I come on board as a sponsor within a tournament, I always want to do the food. I believe there needs to be breakfast and there needs to be lunch,” she said.

The Phoenix Elite SA annual games are another way Sall hopes to create opportunities for young footballers while giving back to clubs and players.

The organisation’s work also extends beyond football.

Sall believes young players need opportunities to prepare for life after sport, recognising that not everyone will become a professional footballer.

Phoenix Elite SA has created opportunities for footballers to gain workplace experience. One JVW player who graduated with a qualification in logistics is now working at Sall’s company in Bredell.

“For me, football is not going to end because not everyone makes it professionally,” Sall said.

Her vision is ultimately to see every women’s football team partnered with a corporate company that takes responsibility for supporting the team on an ongoing basis.

“That’s my dream in what we are doing,” she said.

The planned tournament at Boksburg Stadium forms part of this broader vision, bringing women’s football, community involvement and opportunity together.

For Sall, the need is particularly important in communities where young people can easily become exposed to negative influences.

Having grown up between Eden Park and Reiger Park, she has seen first-hand the challenges facing young people in the area, but she also sees potential.

“There is so, so much talent in Reiger Park. That makes my heart the saddest. There is proper, raw talent that sits there that deserves to be in Europe.”

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