Jean Duffy's "Soccer Grannies" offers a refreshing perspective in a world often focused on youth and professional athletics, narrating an extraordinary story of determination, community, and joy found in unexpected places. This deeply moving account follows the remarkable journey of South African grandmothers who have created something truly special: a soccer movement that defies age, cultural expectations, and social boundaries.
At the heart of the story is the Vakhegula Football Club (meaning "Grandmother" in the Tsonga language), a team that began in 2005 and has since inspired similar groups across South Africa. Through Duffy's warm and engaging prose, we meet women aged 40 to 80 who gather regularly in Nkowankowa not just to play soccer but to reclaim their sense of purpose and joy.
Kirkus Reviews praises Duffy's ability to paint a nuanced picture of a soccer world in South Africa that "can still be deeply sexist," while showing how these remarkable women rise above such challenges. The author skillfully weaves together individual stories with broader themes of health, community, and resistance against societal expectations.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its exploration of how sports can become a vehicle for social change. These "gogos" (grandmothers) aren't just playing for exercise; they're creating communities of care and building friendships that transcend their immediate circumstances. Their story gained international attention when they began participating in tournaments, including what became nicknamed the Grannies Soccer World Cup.
Duffy, drawing from her background as both an engineer and a soccer player herself, brings a unique perspective to the narrative. She approaches the subject with respect and authenticity, allowing the women's voices to shine through while providing necessary historical and cultural context. The result is a book that works on multiple levels as a sports story, a social commentary, and a deeply human tale of resilience and joy.
The book's only minor shortcoming might be that readers may want even more stories, more details about the day-to-day lives of these remarkable women, and more about how their movement continues to grow and inspire others around the world.
"Soccer Grannies" is more than just a sports book or a human interest story. It's a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities that arise when people dare to challenge societal norms. In an era where stories of division often dominate headlines, this book offers a welcome reminder of our shared humanity and the unexpected ways we can find connection and purpose at any age.
Verdict: A must-read that will leave you both inspired and reconsidering your own limitations, real or imagined. Duffy has crafted a narrative that celebrates the indomitable spirit of these remarkable women while offering valuable insights into South African culture and the universal language of sport.
ROYAL MAIL Tracked: 48 Publisher: Visit Rowman & Littlefield
Published: February 18, 2025
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8881806323
Dimensions: 152 x 228 (mm)
British Pound Sterling
Danish
