Local soccer team brings back ladies programme
Arthur Brookes said that they have not played any matches as part of their preparations but they will be playing lots of friendlies before the season gets underway
The women’s programme that Randburg Football Club discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic is back.
Before the pandemic, they ran a successful ladies’ team in partnership with Jenine van Wyk (JVW) Football Club. It resulted in numerous players being called up to the Gauteng and Banyana Banyana squads.
Arthur Brookes technical director of the programme explained that the Banyana Banyana international success has resulted in many enquiries about the women’s football club.
“Women’s football has been gaining momentum and recognition worldwide, and we strongly believe that investing in the growth of this sport is not only crucial but also highly rewarding. We think it is the right time to restart the ladies’ programme. The Randburg Football Club Ladies Programme aims to provide a platform for talented female players to excel and flourish in the world of football.”
The team held open trials in October and November 2023 resulting in hundreds of young girls and ladies showing up to showcase their skills. This was narrowed down to two squads U15 girls and the open ladies’ team being selected.
The U15 team will compete in the Gauteng Development League (GDL). The expectation is for the open ladies’ team to win multiple promotions and compete in the Hollywoodbets Women’s League which is the biggest ladies’ league in South Africa.
“The ladies’ programme focuses not just on improving individual skills, but also on promoting teamwork, discipline, and leadership among our players. Through our programme, we aim to develop well-rounded athletes who can positively represent their community and inspire future generations of female footballers.”
He added that clubs and associations need to encourage young girls to join clubs at the grassroots level, and they need to provide competitions where they can compete.
“It cannot be that young girls wanting to play must play in boys’ teams. We need corporates to get involved and help with funding, we need to make changes to accommodate the ladies’ game, by way of example you walk into, and men’s change rooms and you only have urinals in the locker rooms. We need to adapt to changing needs in our society and provide equal opportunities.”
Brookes appeal to any potential sponsors to get involved with the Randburg Football Ladies Programme. “We need your assistance to be successful and help young women reach their dreams.”
Related Article: Sharonlea Primary proud of budding soccer star who played in Portugal
