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Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World
The inspirational story of an amazing group of soccer-playing South African grannies.
In rural South Africa, beloved humanitarian “Mama Beka” defied social convention and started a soccer team for the women in her community. The Soccer Grannies, as they came to be known, won over their families and villages who at first rejected the idea of older women playing soccer, and that single team quickly grew into dozens. Soon, the strength, tenacity, and pure joy of the Soccer Grannies had captured the attention of the world.
In Soccer The South African Women Who Inspire the World, Jean Duffy, a soccer-playing mom herself, recounts how she and her team set to work to bring the Soccer Grannies to the U.S. after hearing their incredible story. Despite many obstacles that stand in their way, the Soccer Grannies finally arrive, and Jean describes the wonderful friendships and cultural exchanges that follow. But Soccer Grannies tells more than just the physical journey of the South African women; it also details the Grannies’ personal journeys, sharing poignant insights into the realities of women living in South Africa.
Life beyond the pitch has not been easy for the Grannies. They have persevered through apartheid, rampant poverty and unemployment, the loss of children to AIDS, domestic abuse, and more. But with the friendship and support of their fellow Soccer Grannies, these women face life’s challenges with dignity, humor, and hope. Their stories show to the world the power of sport and its unique ability to bring people and cultures together.
In rural South Africa, beloved humanitarian “Mama Beka” defied social convention and started a soccer team for the women in her community. The Soccer Grannies, as they came to be known, won over their families and villages who at first rejected the idea of older women playing soccer, and that single team quickly grew into dozens. Soon, the strength, tenacity, and pure joy of the Soccer Grannies had captured the attention of the world.
In Soccer The South African Women Who Inspire the World, Jean Duffy, a soccer-playing mom herself, recounts how she and her team set to work to bring the Soccer Grannies to the U.S. after hearing their incredible story. Despite many obstacles that stand in their way, the Soccer Grannies finally arrive, and Jean describes the wonderful friendships and cultural exchanges that follow. But Soccer Grannies tells more than just the physical journey of the South African women; it also details the Grannies’ personal journeys, sharing poignant insights into the realities of women living in South Africa.
Life beyond the pitch has not been easy for the Grannies. They have persevered through apartheid, rampant poverty and unemployment, the loss of children to AIDS, domestic abuse, and more. But with the friendship and support of their fellow Soccer Grannies, these women face life’s challenges with dignity, humor, and hope. Their stories show to the world the power of sport and its unique ability to bring people and cultures together.
- GenresNonfictionSports
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2023
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Jean Duffy
1 book5 followersJean is the debut author of “Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World.” She is grateful that, going into this project, she didn’t understand how long it actually takes to write a book.
Her nonfiction writing has been published in the Boston Globe, the Concord Monitor, the Packingtown Review, the Somerville Journal, the Stamford Advocate, and WBUR Cognoscenti.
Jean frequents the soccer field in Lexington, Massachusetts, where her team, the Lexpressas, has been playing for some twenty years. But who’s counting.
When not pounding her fingers on the keyboard or flubbing a shot on goal, Jean can be found consulting with nonprofits, helping people downsize, or at home in Somerville, Massachusetts, doing crossword puzzles with her husband.
Learn more at https://JeanDuffy.com
Instagram: @SoccerGranniesBook
Facebook: @SoccerGranniesBook
Twitter: @Jean_G_Duffy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/JeanGDuffy/
Email: SoccerGrannies@gmail.com
Her nonfiction writing has been published in the Boston Globe, the Concord Monitor, the Packingtown Review, the Somerville Journal, the Stamford Advocate, and WBUR Cognoscenti.
Jean frequents the soccer field in Lexington, Massachusetts, where her team, the Lexpressas, has been playing for some twenty years. But who’s counting.
When not pounding her fingers on the keyboard or flubbing a shot on goal, Jean can be found consulting with nonprofits, helping people downsize, or at home in Somerville, Massachusetts, doing crossword puzzles with her husband.
Learn more at https://JeanDuffy.com
Instagram: @SoccerGranniesBook
Facebook: @SoccerGranniesBook
Twitter: @Jean_G_Duffy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/JeanGDuffy/
Email: SoccerGrannies@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 1, 2023
Soccer Grannies, written by first-time author Jean Duffy, is a compelling read about the power of sport to heal, energize, unite—and in this case, bring joy to women across the lines of race, class and culture. Duffy tells the story of Vakhegula Vakhegula (translated Grannies Grannies), a group of older women from the province of Limpopo, South Africa, who broke through social, physical and economic barriers to come together to play soccer (ages range from 40s to mid-80s!). In 2003 activist Rebecca Ntsanwisi, a colon cancer survivor, brought together women suffering from physical maladies born of poverty and encouraged them to kick the ball. Duffy expertly weaves their heartbreaking personal stories into a tale of triumph. She gives voice to women whose voices are rarely heard as we learn how they broke the taboo against women playing sports and felt the freedom of using their bodies and the joy of playing "the beautiful game." Even more inspiringly, they experienced the camaraderie of the communities that they formed. Duffy relates how in 2010, she and her teammates, who also came to soccer as adult women, were inspired by the Soccer Grannies and invited them to play in a tournament in Massachusetts. Much of the book recaptures the difficulties that both groups overcame—financial, bureaucratic, and logistical—to make the trip happen. It combines memoir, reportage, and interviews with the Soccer Grannies interlaced with passages on the social and political history of apartheid and the aftermath to portray their remarkable journey. Jean Duffy has written a powerful story that goes beyond soccer to tell real stories of human triumph.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield for providing the review copy of Soccer Grannies.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield for providing the review copy of Soccer Grannies.
May 24, 2023
Jean Duffy tells the story of the Soccer Grannies growing up in apartheid South Africa. As I was reading, I was introduced to the story of each Granny and her struggle to raise a family, survive poverty, racism, sexism and tragedy. They discovered that playing soccer provided them the health benefits, the camaraderie and eventual friendship with the US grannies.
Jean describes how she persevered, along with help from some teammates in bringing the Soccer Grannies over to the US and becoming lifelong friends.
Jean has a real talent in storytelling and getting the readers to fall in love with the Grannies and the worlds great game.
Jean describes how she persevered, along with help from some teammates in bringing the Soccer Grannies over to the US and becoming lifelong friends.
Jean has a real talent in storytelling and getting the readers to fall in love with the Grannies and the worlds great game.
April 7, 2023
In many instances, a sports team will inspire others and not because of their excellent play, their championships or even the accomplishments of some of the athletes. Sometimes just the fact that the athletes are playing their sport and enjoying themselves is enough to inspire people and this book by Jean Duffy tells of a group of women in South Africa who do just that.
Started by Rebecca (“Beka”) Ntsanwisi to get women to exercise more after the own diagnosis of colon cancer, the group of ladies aged 40 to 80+ went from an exercise group to soccer players who enjoyed the friendship, camaraderie and exercise that improved both their physical and mental health.
The author, who is a soccer player herself, found out about the Soccer Grannies through a video that a teammate shared and from there, she was determined to get them to the United States to play in a tournament. The obstacles faced were daunting and numerous – financially, politically, and culturally. The spirt of both the author and Beka never let those problems stop them, however. It is hard to determine what was more inspiring – the ladies who didn’t bother following patriarchal and discriminatory social norms to play soccer or the sheer joy when everything came together and the Soccer Grannies made it to Massachusetts to play in the tournament.
Duffy worked tirelessly not only to get them to the United States but also to learn more about the ladies and wrote terrific stories about many of them. In the risk of overusing this word, it didn’t matter whose story was told, they were an inspiration to anyone who reads the book. It should also be noted that Duffy and a few teammates made a journey to South Africa to visit the Grannies in their native land as well and while it didn’t evoke the same awe as the Grannies’ play (and celebrations) in the United States, it was clear that the women on both continents cherished their friendships and their time together.
Whether one is a soccer fan or not, this book is one that any reader will enjoy and will also learn about some of the culture of South Africa, both the good and the bad. The story of Beka and the rest of the Soccer Grannies is one that every person, athlete or not, should enjoy.
I wish to thank Rowman and Littlefield for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Started by Rebecca (“Beka”) Ntsanwisi to get women to exercise more after the own diagnosis of colon cancer, the group of ladies aged 40 to 80+ went from an exercise group to soccer players who enjoyed the friendship, camaraderie and exercise that improved both their physical and mental health.
The author, who is a soccer player herself, found out about the Soccer Grannies through a video that a teammate shared and from there, she was determined to get them to the United States to play in a tournament. The obstacles faced were daunting and numerous – financially, politically, and culturally. The spirt of both the author and Beka never let those problems stop them, however. It is hard to determine what was more inspiring – the ladies who didn’t bother following patriarchal and discriminatory social norms to play soccer or the sheer joy when everything came together and the Soccer Grannies made it to Massachusetts to play in the tournament.
Duffy worked tirelessly not only to get them to the United States but also to learn more about the ladies and wrote terrific stories about many of them. In the risk of overusing this word, it didn’t matter whose story was told, they were an inspiration to anyone who reads the book. It should also be noted that Duffy and a few teammates made a journey to South Africa to visit the Grannies in their native land as well and while it didn’t evoke the same awe as the Grannies’ play (and celebrations) in the United States, it was clear that the women on both continents cherished their friendships and their time together.
Whether one is a soccer fan or not, this book is one that any reader will enjoy and will also learn about some of the culture of South Africa, both the good and the bad. The story of Beka and the rest of the Soccer Grannies is one that every person, athlete or not, should enjoy.
I wish to thank Rowman and Littlefield for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
June 7, 2023
An amazing telling of an extraordinary story! The strength, energy, and spirit of the soccer grannies left a big impression on my heart. I had tears in my eyes at the scene of the Grannies' arrival at Logan Airport. The historical context and individual profiles gave me a new perspective and understanding of these women half way across the world. This book is in turns funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, inspiring, and captivating,...truly a must-read!
March 21, 2023
North American sports fans have little problem finding a place to get their fix. Professional, university, and Olympic sports are accorded plenty of ink and air time. There are even movies about teams that defied the odds to come back from tragedy, or win championships, or—the list goes on.
Enter Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World, by Jean Duffy. Soccer Grannies is a non-fiction book that could just as well read as the script of a triumph-against-the-odds movie. Soccer Grannies quietly reminds us about what, at the root of it, is important and valuable about sport. The camaraderie. The invitation to enhanced fitness. Sport’s uncanny ability to connect people across ethnic divides, across socio-economic classes, across cultural differences, and across continents.
The Soccer Grannies, as Jean Duffy first came to know them, were a team composed, quite literally, of South African grandmothers—women in their 40’s to their 80’s. But as is true of many of the best things in life, these soccer-loving grandmothers came by their love of the sport in a roundabout fashion.
The Soccer Grannies started off as a group of women trying to improve their fitness. The club’s founder, Rebecca (better known as ‘Beka’) Ntsanwisi, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003. After undergoing chemotherapy, she was advised by the doctor to exercise in order to regain her strength. Having noticed many older women at the clinic suffering from a variety of maladies, Beka rightly assumed that others, too, could use some intervention to help them overcome illnesses that were “robbing South Africa’s women of their twilight years.”
Beka started “an exercise program for ladies who were out of shape and wanted to do something about it.” One day, when the group was exercising in a field, a group of boys accidentally kicked a soccer ball in their direction. When a member of the exercise group kicked it back, Beka suggested, half-jokingly, that they try soccer.
The idea was greeted with enthusiasm by the other women. Beka hired a coach to teach them how to play, and the women found that their mobility and strength improved. More than that, “they were also enjoying laughter and friendship—which in turn improved their mental health.”
The Soccer Grannies looked forward to the time spent on the soccer field. That didn’t mean it was easy. They had to overcome cultural obstacles. Some critics argued they should be at home looking after their grandchildren. Others criticized their choice of attire. But the Grannies were steadfast in their determination. The health and social benefits of their time spent on the soccer pitch outweighed social pressure.
The book’s author, Jean Duffy, was first exposed to the Grannies through a video forwarded to her by a soccer teammate. Jean herself was 51 years old at the time, “only recently switched from soccer momming on the sidelines to chasing the ball.” Despite the 7,875 miles between her home in Lexington, Massachusetts and the Grannies’ home in Nkowankowa, Limpopo, Jean felt a connection. Jean, along with other key figures from her own team and others in the league, began a campaign to bring the Soccer Grannies to play in the annual Veterans Cup, which in 2010 was scheduled to be held in Massachusetts.
The book describes the ups and downs of the fundraising campaign to enable the Grannies make the trip, the experience of hosting the South African team in the United States, and a subsequent visit to South Africa by Duffy and others.
In addition to the description of events, Duffy provides historical context for the Grannies’ endeavours, outlining some of the social and political challenges in South Africa. As well, brief biographies of several of the Grannies are included. These profiles provide depth to the book, illustrating the difficulties—poverty, abuse, discrimination, and the like—that these women have endured, and triumphed over, in the course of their lives.
Duffy’s style is eminently readable, and she arranges the story in a logical, easy-to-follow fashion. In the Author’s Note, she notes that Soccer Grannies is the product of seven years spent poring over email correspondence, photographs, formal interviews, newspaper articles, and other sources. Duffy includes an extensive bibliography at the end of the book.
As I write this review, we are well into the phenomenon known as March Madness, when US college basketball teams vie for the national championship title. The event is widely televised. A number of the players showcased will go on to have professional careers.
Meanwhile, across South Africa and in pockets elsewhere around the world—for the Soccer Grannies was too good an idea to remain in one place—teams of soccer-playing grandmothers are booting the ball around and sharing laughter, gaining physical and mental health benefits in the process. Duffy’s book brings the original Soccer Grannies team into the limelight, weaving together a compelling story that tells us something about the power of sport to engender well-being, and to build bridges between people from different cultures through a shared love of the game.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Rowman & Littlefield for providing a copy of Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World, for review consideration. All opinions stated above are my own.
Enter Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World, by Jean Duffy. Soccer Grannies is a non-fiction book that could just as well read as the script of a triumph-against-the-odds movie. Soccer Grannies quietly reminds us about what, at the root of it, is important and valuable about sport. The camaraderie. The invitation to enhanced fitness. Sport’s uncanny ability to connect people across ethnic divides, across socio-economic classes, across cultural differences, and across continents.
The Soccer Grannies, as Jean Duffy first came to know them, were a team composed, quite literally, of South African grandmothers—women in their 40’s to their 80’s. But as is true of many of the best things in life, these soccer-loving grandmothers came by their love of the sport in a roundabout fashion.
The Soccer Grannies started off as a group of women trying to improve their fitness. The club’s founder, Rebecca (better known as ‘Beka’) Ntsanwisi, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003. After undergoing chemotherapy, she was advised by the doctor to exercise in order to regain her strength. Having noticed many older women at the clinic suffering from a variety of maladies, Beka rightly assumed that others, too, could use some intervention to help them overcome illnesses that were “robbing South Africa’s women of their twilight years.”
Beka started “an exercise program for ladies who were out of shape and wanted to do something about it.” One day, when the group was exercising in a field, a group of boys accidentally kicked a soccer ball in their direction. When a member of the exercise group kicked it back, Beka suggested, half-jokingly, that they try soccer.
The idea was greeted with enthusiasm by the other women. Beka hired a coach to teach them how to play, and the women found that their mobility and strength improved. More than that, “they were also enjoying laughter and friendship—which in turn improved their mental health.”
The Soccer Grannies looked forward to the time spent on the soccer field. That didn’t mean it was easy. They had to overcome cultural obstacles. Some critics argued they should be at home looking after their grandchildren. Others criticized their choice of attire. But the Grannies were steadfast in their determination. The health and social benefits of their time spent on the soccer pitch outweighed social pressure.
The book’s author, Jean Duffy, was first exposed to the Grannies through a video forwarded to her by a soccer teammate. Jean herself was 51 years old at the time, “only recently switched from soccer momming on the sidelines to chasing the ball.” Despite the 7,875 miles between her home in Lexington, Massachusetts and the Grannies’ home in Nkowankowa, Limpopo, Jean felt a connection. Jean, along with other key figures from her own team and others in the league, began a campaign to bring the Soccer Grannies to play in the annual Veterans Cup, which in 2010 was scheduled to be held in Massachusetts.
The book describes the ups and downs of the fundraising campaign to enable the Grannies make the trip, the experience of hosting the South African team in the United States, and a subsequent visit to South Africa by Duffy and others.
In addition to the description of events, Duffy provides historical context for the Grannies’ endeavours, outlining some of the social and political challenges in South Africa. As well, brief biographies of several of the Grannies are included. These profiles provide depth to the book, illustrating the difficulties—poverty, abuse, discrimination, and the like—that these women have endured, and triumphed over, in the course of their lives.
Duffy’s style is eminently readable, and she arranges the story in a logical, easy-to-follow fashion. In the Author’s Note, she notes that Soccer Grannies is the product of seven years spent poring over email correspondence, photographs, formal interviews, newspaper articles, and other sources. Duffy includes an extensive bibliography at the end of the book.
As I write this review, we are well into the phenomenon known as March Madness, when US college basketball teams vie for the national championship title. The event is widely televised. A number of the players showcased will go on to have professional careers.
Meanwhile, across South Africa and in pockets elsewhere around the world—for the Soccer Grannies was too good an idea to remain in one place—teams of soccer-playing grandmothers are booting the ball around and sharing laughter, gaining physical and mental health benefits in the process. Duffy’s book brings the original Soccer Grannies team into the limelight, weaving together a compelling story that tells us something about the power of sport to engender well-being, and to build bridges between people from different cultures through a shared love of the game.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Rowman & Littlefield for providing a copy of Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World, for review consideration. All opinions stated above are my own.
May 23, 2023
It was interesting even though I have no interest in soccer. I did learn a good deal about South Africa which I apparently knew little about. Read my full review at Girl Who Read.
April 7, 2023
At a time when the country and world are sorely in need of feel-good stories, here is one that will warm your heart. You will wonder if it is really true (it is) and then want to spread the word about the way a team sport can forge a path halfway around the world creating bonds that will last forever. No differences in culture, religion, ideology or skin color ever stood in the way for Jean Duffy, my friend, teammate and colleague, when she and a few other players took it upon themselves to bring a team of elderly South African women (all over 40 and some in their 80s) to join a soccer tournament in America. This trip created a sister team in Lexington, Massachusetts and led to an awareness of these indomitable women who had been playing soccer daily to strengthen their hearts, bodies, and spirit.
From a small village in Limpopo, the Soccer Grannies defied a patriarchical culture, poverty, restrictive traditions and a history of apartheid to put their lives in their own hands. Their teams keep growing, now numbering in the dozens as their love of the game, friendships, and life itself expresses their spirit.
Soccer Grannnies delves into their personal stories as well – the one thing fighting the tears of compassion and empathy is the sheer joy of the play itself, connecting women in a network across the globe. Follow the arc of this story and extend it yourself, whether it is through soccer, another team sport or through similar acts of love.
Andrea Celenza, Author: Transference, Love, Being: Essential Essays from the Field
From a small village in Limpopo, the Soccer Grannies defied a patriarchical culture, poverty, restrictive traditions and a history of apartheid to put their lives in their own hands. Their teams keep growing, now numbering in the dozens as their love of the game, friendships, and life itself expresses their spirit.
Soccer Grannnies delves into their personal stories as well – the one thing fighting the tears of compassion and empathy is the sheer joy of the play itself, connecting women in a network across the globe. Follow the arc of this story and extend it yourself, whether it is through soccer, another team sport or through similar acts of love.
Andrea Celenza, Author: Transference, Love, Being: Essential Essays from the Field
April 22, 2023
I wrote this book because Beka Ntsanwisi taught me a powerful lesson about following your heart and believing in your dreams. The Soccer Grannies set a fabulous example for us all about living life with joy. I am proud to have been entrusted to tell the story of these resilient women.
I dedicate 5-stars to Beka without whom there would be no story.
I dedicate 5-stars to Beka without whom there would be no story.
July 24, 2023
What a wonderfully inspiring book! I loved reading about each soccer granny - Jean expertly weaves in historical and cultural aspects, as she portrays their challenges and joy in finding/playing soccer. It was inspiring to learn about how Jean, Beka and their fellow teammates overcame logistical, monetary, and cultural obstacles to create this beautiful connection between a soccer team in Lexington, MA and a team of Granny Soccer players in South Africa. I appreciated how vulnerable Jean was in writing about her doubts and wide range of emotions. With all the difficult news in the world today, it was a delight to read an honest account of 'you can do anything you set your mind to.'
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May 30, 2023I recommend this book "Soccer Grannies: The South African Women who Inspire the World" to anyone who loves soccer...playing or watching! I laughed, I cried, and am now inspired to help "Mama Beka" in South Africa. Who knows, maybe I'll meet her if I go to the next South African Grannies tournament in 2025!
June 22, 2023
Loved it!
March 11, 2023
Soccer Grannies was a delight to read from start to finish. Jean Duffy captured the spirit of these amazing South African women beautifully. This is a story about soccer, women, overcoming obstacles, and love of life. The inspiring woman behind the Soccer Grannies rise, Mama Beka, was portrayed beautifully and her passion brought to life in each page of this book. Beka was determined to bring opportunities for older women in Limpopo Province to take better care of themselves, in a community where women are treated as second-class citizens to this day. What started as a small group of women kicking a ball around quickly spread to over 80 women’s soccer teams! Although the book includes the story of Mama Beka and her personal journey as a cancer survivor and leader in her community, there are small biographies of some of the individual Soccer Grannies woven throughout the book, and their heartwarming but sometimes tragic personal stories. Puts life into perspective for sure. Jean also weaves enough South Africa history on apartheid as a reminder of what this community has had to overcome.
As a member of the Lexpressas soccer team in Massachusetts and a participant in the upcoming International Grannies Soccer Tournament in Limpopo (March, 2023), Jean’s book was truly an inspiring read ahead of this trip. Despite the hardships the Grannies face, their outlook on life and determination to get through difficult times is awe-inspiring. Though our team in the U.S. shares little in common with these women and their everyday struggles (some were deprived of a formal education, some forced into arranged marriages, and some even accused of witchcraft!), what we do share is our love for the game of soccer. Soccer is what brought our teams together back in 2010, and is what is bringing us all together again in 2023. As Jean portrayed gracefully and with humor in the book, soccer is what gave these women an empowerment to take better care of themselves, and most importantly- laugh, dance and enjoy life despite difficult circumstances. I felt a profound sense of connection to these women after finishing the book. A connection I will be fortunate to realize in person when our team travels there soon to share their laughter, dance, and love for the great game of soccer. Jean shows us beautifully how the Grannies have broken barriers for women, in particular those of us in the prime of our lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for the advance review copy of Soccer Grannies. It has been a privilege reading this wonderful book, and I recommend it to any soccer lover for true inspiration.
As a member of the Lexpressas soccer team in Massachusetts and a participant in the upcoming International Grannies Soccer Tournament in Limpopo (March, 2023), Jean’s book was truly an inspiring read ahead of this trip. Despite the hardships the Grannies face, their outlook on life and determination to get through difficult times is awe-inspiring. Though our team in the U.S. shares little in common with these women and their everyday struggles (some were deprived of a formal education, some forced into arranged marriages, and some even accused of witchcraft!), what we do share is our love for the game of soccer. Soccer is what brought our teams together back in 2010, and is what is bringing us all together again in 2023. As Jean portrayed gracefully and with humor in the book, soccer is what gave these women an empowerment to take better care of themselves, and most importantly- laugh, dance and enjoy life despite difficult circumstances. I felt a profound sense of connection to these women after finishing the book. A connection I will be fortunate to realize in person when our team travels there soon to share their laughter, dance, and love for the great game of soccer. Jean shows us beautifully how the Grannies have broken barriers for women, in particular those of us in the prime of our lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for the advance review copy of Soccer Grannies. It has been a privilege reading this wonderful book, and I recommend it to any soccer lover for true inspiration.
August 21, 2023
Soccer Grannies is about so much more than soccer. This story is a metaphor for how to age with passion, persistence, self-confidence, connection, and have a purpose beyond our own lives.
The structure of the book kept me turning the pages enthusiastically. How I loved learning about each Granny, their trials, and their triumphs. I was stunned to learn that witchcraft is still practiced in parts of South Africa. Women with dementia are treated with suspect and risk harm. Add this present danger to poverty, medical conditions, isolation, aging and other obstacles. You can’t help but wonder how these women have the energy to do anything much less play soccer.
The two heroes of the book are the winsome, Rebecca “Beka” (the Soccer Grannies founder) and Jean Duffy (the author). Life didn’t prepare either one for their leadership roles in creating tournament play for the Grannies. They have different backgrounds but the same characteristics: “walk through walls” attitudes, positivity, love of soccer, belief in improving the lives of others. I cheered them on at every turn and felt very close to them by the end of this book.
Soccer Grannies is a Must Read!
Vivian Eyre, author of Ishmael’s Violets
The structure of the book kept me turning the pages enthusiastically. How I loved learning about each Granny, their trials, and their triumphs. I was stunned to learn that witchcraft is still practiced in parts of South Africa. Women with dementia are treated with suspect and risk harm. Add this present danger to poverty, medical conditions, isolation, aging and other obstacles. You can’t help but wonder how these women have the energy to do anything much less play soccer.
The two heroes of the book are the winsome, Rebecca “Beka” (the Soccer Grannies founder) and Jean Duffy (the author). Life didn’t prepare either one for their leadership roles in creating tournament play for the Grannies. They have different backgrounds but the same characteristics: “walk through walls” attitudes, positivity, love of soccer, belief in improving the lives of others. I cheered them on at every turn and felt very close to them by the end of this book.
Soccer Grannies is a Must Read!
Vivian Eyre, author of Ishmael’s Violets
July 29, 2023
In Soccer Grannies, the reader is taken on journeys to local and South African soccer fields, where a team of grannies exuberantly play. The book is rife with vibrant images of the grannies playing soccer, dancing, and singing in their bright native garb, perfect for a movie.
A soccer player herself, author Jean Duffy was inspired to bring the Grannies to America, after watching a video of them. She worked tirelessly with her own soccer teammates to raise the money and work out logistics.
At the heart of the story is South African activist and cancer survivor, Beka Ntsanwisi. In 2006 Beka formed the Soccer Grannies, known locally as the Vakhegula Vakhegula. Beka has won multiple awards for her community service efforts, that include establishing the team, teaching best self-care practices, and building housing. Her altruistic spirit shines through, and she is known throughout the country for it.
Soccer Grannies seamlessly weaves the grannies' journey to the US, their personal powerful stories, and important compelling South African historical background. A must read for soccer players, those interested in South Africa, and anybody seeking an inspirational story.
A soccer player herself, author Jean Duffy was inspired to bring the Grannies to America, after watching a video of them. She worked tirelessly with her own soccer teammates to raise the money and work out logistics.
At the heart of the story is South African activist and cancer survivor, Beka Ntsanwisi. In 2006 Beka formed the Soccer Grannies, known locally as the Vakhegula Vakhegula. Beka has won multiple awards for her community service efforts, that include establishing the team, teaching best self-care practices, and building housing. Her altruistic spirit shines through, and she is known throughout the country for it.
Soccer Grannies seamlessly weaves the grannies' journey to the US, their personal powerful stories, and important compelling South African historical background. A must read for soccer players, those interested in South Africa, and anybody seeking an inspirational story.
March 9, 2023
What a powerful and incredibly moving story this was! I was approached by the author and immediately drawn to her passion and engagement. I have a 9 year old soccer fanatic in my own house, and the love of the game - and of the ability of sport to bring people together - is something that resonates strongly with me as a result.
I was not familiar with the Soccer Grannies before Duffy reached out, but once I learned about their commitment I was immediately drawn to hunt them down online. If you haven't seen the videos, you really must look them up - it is so wonderful to see these women and hear their stories, and their moves on the field are quite impressive as well!
This is a lovingly written homage to the power of people to come together - and overcome together - and a fabulous book for readers young and old.
Thanks to the author for my obligation-free review copy.
I was not familiar with the Soccer Grannies before Duffy reached out, but once I learned about their commitment I was immediately drawn to hunt them down online. If you haven't seen the videos, you really must look them up - it is so wonderful to see these women and hear their stories, and their moves on the field are quite impressive as well!
This is a lovingly written homage to the power of people to come together - and overcome together - and a fabulous book for readers young and old.
Thanks to the author for my obligation-free review copy.
May 10, 2023
Watching Jean Duffy's Soccer Grannies book evolve, and getting to know the personal stories of the South African Soccer Grannies was an exhilarating experience. Sometimes we think our problems are insurmountable, and we lose our spirit. But these grannies truly do inspire us to keep moving forward, keep finding hope and joy rather than succumbing to the difficulties of life and loss. And they do find joy - playing soccer, dancing, singing, being playful in one another's company.
I'm thankful to Jean Duffy for the research and diligence that went into writing this wonderfully uplifting and heartening book, and I encourage every reader who cares about sports, women's rights, learning more about history and cultures outside of our own, to read it. The proceeds go toward improving health and housing for the women of South Africa.
Brava, Jean!
I'm thankful to Jean Duffy for the research and diligence that went into writing this wonderfully uplifting and heartening book, and I encourage every reader who cares about sports, women's rights, learning more about history and cultures outside of our own, to read it. The proceeds go toward improving health and housing for the women of South Africa.
Brava, Jean!
July 18, 2023
This book is about soccer and is not about soccer. Jean Duffy writes such a compelling human connection story with the right amount of personal and historical focus.
I learned about soccer, about apartheid, about faith and persistence, about the importance of women's connection in improving the world, about the connection of women in totally different cultures and parts of the world, about the difference one determined woman - Beka - makes, and about how human kindness and generosity still prevail in our world.
Soccer Grannies is such a great read - I can’t wait to see what the women of South African and North America do next!
I learned about soccer, about apartheid, about faith and persistence, about the importance of women's connection in improving the world, about the connection of women in totally different cultures and parts of the world, about the difference one determined woman - Beka - makes, and about how human kindness and generosity still prevail in our world.
Soccer Grannies is such a great read - I can’t wait to see what the women of South African and North America do next!
November 3, 2023
Soccer Grannies is in turns moving, humorous, and deeply inspiring. Duffy gracefully intertwines personal stories and commentary on the larger cultural and political forces that shape our lives.
From the Grannies’ journey to become international soccer players, to the author’s second career reinventing herself as a writer, this book is full of inspiring and much-needed messages about positive aging.
It’s about so much more than soccer. Even non-sports fans will be cheering for these Grannies!
From the Grannies’ journey to become international soccer players, to the author’s second career reinventing herself as a writer, this book is full of inspiring and much-needed messages about positive aging.
It’s about so much more than soccer. Even non-sports fans will be cheering for these Grannies!
June 11, 2023
I thought this book was just wonderfully written. It very enjoyable. I love the way the stories of the ladies from South Africa were interwoven with the narrative. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know whether the Soccer Grannies made it to the USA. I highly recommend this book.
June 20, 2023
I am not particularly sporty. I have never owned a pair of cleats and the last time I played soccer was against my will in gym class but let me tell you I LOVE THIS BOOK. Jean Duffy has told an incredible story that will hold your interest whether you are athletically-inclined or not. SOCCER GRANNIES is a story about friendship and perseverance and how you shouldn't let things like age or societal norms or a lack of funding get in your way when you're doing something you really care about. This book was so good, I actually am now thinking of trying out soccer. Soccer brings people together!
September 28, 2025
This is a great story of how sport can unite people at any age. I also appreciated the difficulties and efforts to fundraise and get the Soccer Grannies to the USA for a tournament, it goes to show that anyone can do anything and help others.
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February 22, 2023Interested to learn more about this book? Check out:
Author website: https://JeanDuffy.com
Instagram: @SoccerGranniesBook
Facebook: @SoccerGranniesBook
Twitter: @Jean_G_Duffy
Author website: https://JeanDuffy.com
Instagram: @SoccerGranniesBook
Facebook: @SoccerGranniesBook
Twitter: @Jean_G_Duffy
September 12, 2023
Inspiring women. I would have like more about the grannies and less about the author's experiences with them.
December 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Beka and the grannies are inspiring. Reading about the joy and comradere the grannies find in the game was a gift.
March 25, 2024
this is a remarkable story about the women from an impoverished province in South Africa who captivate the world with their courage and joy. Two groups of women from very different cultures reach out to each other….and ultimately change each others’ lives.
Heartwarming and well researched.
Heartwarming and well researched.
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