Jean Duffy

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Thank you Jean Duffy for being a guest on my Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast. Jean has been playing soccer in Lexington, Massachusetts for over 20 years, with Lexpressas.

The Socceer Grannies were founded by Beka Ntsanwisi. Also known as Mama Beka. Jean will be sharing their stories from her book.

Jean the Author.

Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World tells the story of a team of 40 to 80-year-old women in rural South Africa who defy social convention to play soccer for the companionship and the health benefits it provides. Their strength and resiliency help them face life’s challenges with dignity, humor, and hope. They teach the rest of us that age, gender, and expectations cannot define an athlete.

Founded by Beka Ntsanwisi

The official name of their football club, Vakhegula Vakhegula is pronounced—vah-KAY-goo-lah, vah-KAY-goo-lah. It means “Grannies Grannies” in their native Xitsonga, in homage to South Africa’s beloved national men’s team, Bafana Bafana.

Are you in a Bookclub? Follow this link for some great questions regarding Soccer Grannies.

Jean’s Takeaways.

“Soccer Grannies is a story of the power of sport.”

“It’s about the power of sports to make a difference in the lives of the players. This includes their physical health and their emotional well-being. Whatever the age, it’s never too late!”

“It’s a story about the power of support to build community at the local level. The team celebrates wins and life’s happy milestones. The team also supports each other through life’s rocky periods.”

“Lastly, it’s a story about the power of sport to build community at the global level. I am proud of the meaningful connection we have built spanning oceans and cultures and race.”Many of us who traveled to South Africa for the March 2023 tournament had a reunion in honor of Beka’s visit. The Breakers and Lexpressas teams presented an award to Beka for hosting the first-ever Grannies International Football Tournament. Her success in uniting women from around the world with a shared passion for soccer and her commitment to improving women’s health inspire us.

In Closing.

Jean: “Many of us who traveled to South Africa for the March 2023 tournament had a reunion in honor of Beka’s visit. The Breakers and Lexpressas teams presented an award to Beka for hosting the first-ever Grannies International Football Tournament. Her success in uniting women from around the world with a shared passion for soccer and her commitment to improving women’s health inspire us.”

This is an exciting show about how sports can unite us regardless of our ages or what country we live in.

Conversations + Connections = Community

Making the world a better place. One Story at a time.