July 9, 2023 • 54 mins
On this episode, we welcome Jean Duffy, author of the new book "Soccer Grannies – South African Women Who Inspire the World"; and Rebecca "Beka" Ntsanwisi, the founder of the Soccer Grannies and humanitarian.
Jean Duffy is a soccer-playing mom and nonfiction writer who has been published in the Boston Globe, the Concord Monitor, the Packingtown Review, the Somerville Journal, the Stamford Advocate, and WBUR Cognoscenti. Jean shares her story of how a group of soccer grannies in South Africa inspired her to tell their stories.
Rebecca "Beka" Ntsanwisi is a humanitarian hero who found a way to use soccer as a vehicle for change. Listen in as Beka shares how soccer changed her life, improved her health, built communities, and inspired a new generation of women soccer players.
Episode Links
Learn more about The Soccer Grannies at https://www.soccergrannies.com/
Visit Jean Duffy’s website and learn more about her book at https://jeanduffy.com/grannies/
Support the Soccer Grannies on GoFundMe – https://www.gofundme.com/f/score-one-for-south-africas-soccer-grannies
Check out the award-winning, documentary about the Soccer Grannies – https://www.journeyman.tv/film/7404/soccer-grannies
Purchase the book – https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-Grannies-South-African-Inspire/dp/1538170175/ref=sr_1_1
More WWFShow Links:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/WWFShow
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wwfshow/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WomensWorldFootballShow/
Blog at wwfshowblog.com
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: July 9, 2023
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by Jean Duffy.
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La BellaWomen’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
Jean Duffy is a soccer-playing mom and nonfiction writer who has been published in the Boston Globe, the Concord Monitor, the Packingtown Review, the Somerville Journal, the Stamford Advocate, and WBUR Cognoscenti. Jean shares her story of how a group of soccer grannies in South Africa inspired her to tell their stories.
Rebecca "Beka" Ntsanwisi is a humanitarian hero who found a way to use soccer as a vehicle for change. Listen in as Beka shares how soccer changed her life, improved her health, built communities, and inspired a new generation of women soccer players.
Episode Links
Learn more about The Soccer Grannies at https://www.soccergrannies.com/
Visit Jean Duffy’s website and learn more about her book at https://jeanduffy.com/grannies/
Support the Soccer Grannies on GoFundMe – https://www.gofundme.com/f/score-one-for-south-africas-soccer-grannies
Check out the award-winning, documentary about the Soccer Grannies – https://www.journeyman.tv/film/7404/soccer-grannies
Purchase the book – https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-Grannies-South-African-Inspire/dp/1538170175/ref=sr_1_1
More WWFShow Links:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/WWFShow
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wwfshow/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WomensWorldFootballShow/
Blog at wwfshowblog.com
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: July 9, 2023
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by Jean Duffy.
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La BellaWomen’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Aging is something that's inevitable and nomatter how hard we try, the aging
process is out of our control.But as we age, how we take
care of our bodies, minds,and souls is completely within our control.
The decisions we make every day affectthis. Are we eating right? Are
(00:25):
we moving our bodies? Are wefilling our minds with positivity and surrounding us
with positive people? Are we fillingour days with helpfulness and service to others?
This is all within our control,and for many of us, soccer
is a great way to get outthere and get some exercise and get some
fresh air, meet some friends whoare normally very upbeaten, positive, or
(00:48):
just kind of ride the wave ofour favorite team, and be a part
of this very interesting and exciting community. On today's show, we learn how
a group of soccer playing grandmas usethe game to help heal their bodies,
minds, and even the people aroundthem. Author of the new book Soccer
Grannies, The South African Women WhoInspire the World, Jean Duffy, is
(01:11):
here to talk about her book andthis remarkable story of some very special women
in South Africa who are on ajourney to change lives their own and others
in their community and throughout the world. It's amazing, amazing story and all
through the game of soccer. Andif that's not enough. Along with Jeane,
we welcome the main subject of herbook and founder of the Soccer Grannies,
(01:34):
humanitarian and role model Rebecca and Swanwisiis here to share her awe inspiring
story. This is an interview youdo not want to miss, no matter
what age you are, or nomatter what age you feel. So jump
out of that rocking chair and let'srock this episode. This is Women's Role
(01:55):
Football Show. Hey everyone, welcometo episode two hundred and nineteen of Women's
RULD Football Show. How are youdoing. I hope that you're doing well
and feeling great and getting outside thesummer. I know it's a hot summer
(02:17):
for many of us. I don'tknow about you, but I thrive in
the heat. I love the heat. I'm like a lizard. I get
some sun out there and I'm likeout there, no problem, one hundred
degrees out there, And so ofcourse we're bringing the heat in this episode.
I thought it was a crazy segue. Wasn't it not just a good,
(02:38):
good summer, good time? Ithink to just to be here on
earth and to be sharing these storieswith you. I mean, I feel
so fortunate and grateful that you arehere and that you're listening and enjoying this
interview that I have with these twoamazing, like I just said, in
awe, inspiring women that will liftyou up and also maybe help you take
(03:00):
stock of your own life and thethings that are going on around you.
I know, sometimes it's kind ofdeep in those dry opens, you know,
but and then we kind of loosenup as the show goes on.
But this is not This is avery lighthearted and upbeat interview. And the
stories that are told in Jean's bookare I mean, they're so above inspiring.
(03:21):
I'm going to run out of adjectivesprobably to explain it. But just
the stories she tells of these womenin South Africa and in all grandmas,
I mean, it's just just theterm, right. It's not Megan Rapino
grandma. It's like real grandma,like your grandma that you know and love
and maybe suffering with some ailments.These were women who got together and decided,
you know, and heck with that, we're gonna go outside. We're
(03:44):
going to kick a ball, justlike the little kids out there and we're
going to change the world. Andthey did it, and it's just amazing,
amazing story and I'm so fortunate tobe able to bring it to you
today. And with the two womenwho are just like I mean, talk
about Rocket, they're just they're rockingthe book tour right now, been together
in the same country. So it'sjust amazing. So about a great show.
(04:04):
And hey, as you know,this is the ten year anniversary of
Women's Rule Football Show and it's aWorld Cup year, so that makes it
extra special. And I just wantedto say thank you. I'm gonna say
thank you as much as I canbecause, just like Becca says in this
interview, you know, sometimes youwant to say thank you and the words
don't come out, or maybe youmiss the chance. So you know,
(04:25):
every show I have this year,just want to say thank you to all
the listeners out there, all youguys listening and who whether you're a longtime
listener and a fan of the show, you know, first of all,
thank you, I mean, it'sbeen quite a ride and are if you're
a new listener, welcome. Ihope that you enjoyed this episode and also
check out the past two hundred andeighteen episodes that are available wherever you listen
(04:48):
to your podcasts. If you havea favorite player, we've probably had them
on the show once or twice overthe years, So check out our library,
go to wwfshow dot com, orjust scre you know, through the
podcast shows whatever podcast app you listento, and just scroll through those shows.
I'm I'm sure we've had a favoriteguest of yours or somebody that you've
(05:10):
been wanting to hear from. Um, there's like something like four hundred to
five hundred guests over the years.We have more guests than shows because in
the early days of the podcast,before twenty nineteen, I'd say, are
we change the format? In twentynineteen, our shows were a little longer.
Sometimes they rang from like two hoursor more, and we've featured sometimes
(05:32):
three to four guests, So muchdifferent format than we have today. Now
it's more focused, more targeted.I'm able to spend more time with the
guests and tell their stories, youknow, inside the interview and outside,
and I think that that resonates betterwith people. Plus, you know,
who wants to listen to a twohour podcast? We want to get in
and out right, we want totake that train ride or that bicycle ride
(05:55):
or that walk around the block andlisten to a podcast, not spend days
and days on it. So,um, just from hearing your feedback,
I know that that format change wasmuch appreciated. And also she just shows
them the downloads as well. Butbefore twenty nineteen, we had a lot
of guests on each show, Soif you scroll through those, I'm sure
you'll find a player or coach orsome influencer, author, photographer, or
(06:19):
whoever in the game that you reallyenjoy, maybe following on social media or
following them playing and then never hada chance to actually hear their stories.
So go back and check our library. It's extensive. And if you don't
find your favorite player or your favoritecoach, email me Patty at wwfshow dot
(06:39):
com and uh, you know,give me a suggestion, tell me a
player that you'd like to hear from, and I'll do my best to get
them on it. It's happened before. I've had plenty of people email me
and say, hey, can youget this this player in you know in
Ghana and o our this player atBristal City or you know wherever they are
in the world. I will Iwill hunt them down and I'll try to
(07:01):
get them on the show. Andwe've done it. We've done it over
the past, so it's it's it'sa great it's a great challenge for me,
and also it's a great reward foreverybody else because and for me as
well, because we get to hearthe stories of people that we maybe have
never heard from before. I neverknew about in countries and playing in different
different leagues around the world, andthen it sparks another interest, you know,
(07:24):
they're like, wow, maybe Ishould maybe I should check out that
that Gona League or you know,or Haiti. Let me what's going on
in Haiti. So I don't know. It's always is a treat for me
to get emails and from here fromyou guys wherever you are, and tell
me about the players that you liketo hear from, and we do my
best to get them on. Andalso I know I mentioned the grandma Megan
(07:47):
Rapino. Just a quick shout outto a Pino if you haven't heard,
US women's national team forward Megan Rapinojust announced her retirement, So just want
to give a shout out to aPino. I mean what a powerful presence
she's been in the game. She'sdone so much in her career on the
pitch and off the pitch, andso it was expected, you know,
(08:07):
we expected her. She's she's thirtyeight years old. You know, she's
been playing for a long time.I'm sure that the wear and tear,
you know that this game has onyou. It was expected that she would
retire at some point. But shewill of course be at Women's World Cup
this year twenty twenty three, andthen she'll finish out her season with the
ol Rain. Also on next episode, we'll hear from Pino. We'll hear
(08:31):
quite a bit from her. Actually, I was at the media day US
women's national team media day about aweek a week and a half ago,
and I got a ton of soundbitesfrom the US winans national team players.
So I'm going through all those soundbitesright now and we'll play those on our
next episode as we're leading into Women'sWorld Cup. On the eve of Women's
World Cup, I'll have a newshow out in a couple of weeks,
(08:54):
and then we'll play all those interviewsand sound bites from the US winen's national
team, which is an interest team. You know, we're talking about aging
on this show a little bit,and one of the main focuses I had
when I was talking to these playersis is you know, it's a very
we think it's a young team,but it's actually the average age of the
team right now is twenty eight.But they are missing a few of the
(09:18):
older players. Of course, Beckysabrand out with injury, and then then
then bringing in some really young playerslike Alissa Thompson right Angel City, she's
eighteen years old, and you know, in Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez.
So there's a lot of young playerson the team that we're keeping track of.
And and that topic came up,and you know, how what do
you learn from the older players?That was a question that I asked a
(09:41):
lot. So as we carry thisthread on into the next episode, I
hope that you join us. Thenwhen we hear from a lot of the
US When's national team players as weheaded to Women's World Cup, very very
exciting, and of course hearing MeganRapino's retirement announcement as well, retiring the
ripled age of thirty eight, thesoccer grannies are like, what come on,
(10:05):
you still have thirty years left atleast. But yeah, so we'll
hear that that'll be on next show. This show, of course. Amazing,
amazing story the Soccer Grannies. Ihave the book in my hand,
and if you know me, likedo I think you do? You know?
I love soccer books. I havea whole bookshelf full of soccer books,
primarily women's soccer books, and Ihave to say this is one of
(10:28):
the more unique and interesting stories Iread in a long long time. And
it's completely I mean, I readthis thing. I crushed it in like
a week. But I've been justgoing back and rereading the stories because the
way that it's written is very it'svery uneasy read, even though it's a
it's a like over two hundred pagebook. You know, it's a few
(10:50):
pictures here and there, but tellingthe stories of these women in South Africa
who literally soccer change their life,whether physically, emotionally, monetarily. It
just changed changed their lives. Andwhen you read these stories, it'll change
yours too, guaranteed. I saythis to Jean a lot in the interview.
(11:13):
I said it to you, ifyou have a heart and soul,
this book's going to change you,because the stories in here are just amazing
and I've been just kind of readingthrough it and it's dog eared and all
the pages are kind of torn,and I just highly recommend it. And
of course on our show notes ifyou go there, I have like the
links on where you can buy thebook and where you can learn more about
(11:35):
it, and Jean's website and Becca'swebsite and all the good things, because
I after you hear the story,you're gonna want to do a deep dive
guaranteed into these into this remarkable storyand these remarkable women changing their lives,
you know, and changing the livesaround them. So let's get into the
interview. I'm so excited to sharethis with you. So Becca end Swan
(11:56):
we see affectionately known as Mama Becca. She founded of Vokegula Vokegula Football Club
also known as the Soccer Grannies,which I will be referring to them because
that other name my tongue doesn't like. And they playing a little town called
Kenjan Sakowa in Lompopo, South Africa. I'm sure just annihilating the pronunciation there,
(12:18):
So apologies in advance. And Beccais a motivational speaker, a former
radio announcer, and as you cantell in this interview, she's very well
spoken and very articulate, and she'sjust received countless awards for her community activism.
She's just kind of like a heroin her community. And after this
(12:39):
interview you'll see you'll see why.And she started this soccer team for women
within her community. And then soonthe Soccer Grannies as they became known,
that become an international sensation, playingall over the world and raising so much
money and awareness for their causes andcharities throughout the world. So just just
(13:01):
just a force, a force tobe reckoned with. And Gene Duffy is
a soccer playing mom. She's awriter. She's been published in many magazines
and publications including The Boston Globe,The Concord Monitor, the Summer Fille Journal,
many many others. Her book,Soccer Grannies The South African Women Who
Inspire the World, It's a Rowanand little Field publication is out now,
(13:24):
so let's hear from these amazing women. Please welcome Becca and Swan We see
and Gene Duffy. Well, Ihave to say that I feel like the
luckiest person in the world that Ihave the two of you on the show.
I can't believe my luck how thisall turned out. So thank you
both for coming on the show andsharing this amazing story with us. I
think I think we're all lucky,as listeners were lucky too, So thank
(13:46):
you very much for coming on.Oh, thank you, thanks for doing
us. And very rarely do Ido two interviews at the same time,
but since your accents are so differentslightly, I think listeners will be able
to tell the difference between them thetwo of you. So yes, yeah,
So first, let's start with Eugene. I mean, you're an American,
(14:07):
you love soccer, you play soccer. Can you tell us how you
became aware of soccer grannies and whatinspired you to tell their story? Okay,
well, just to back up alittle bit, I started playing soccer
in my early forties in Lexington,Massachusetts. I was watching my daughters play
and I said, that looks likefun. I could run five miles,
(14:28):
I could run and chase the soccerball. But it was my first team
sport of any kind. And Ifound a group of like minded women and
we started playing. I didn't knowbut just a few years later, a
group of women in South Africa,a group of grandmothers even older than my
team, had also taken to thepitch, you know, quite late in
life, and I became aware ofBecca's team. In twenty ten, South
(14:54):
Africa was hosting the World Cup,the first time on African soil. That
team of grandmothers found themselves in theinternational spotlight because they were the perfect human
interest story. I opened my emailat work one morning and there was a
message from one of my soccer buddiessharing a BBC video newsreel about this South
(15:15):
African team, and I felt animmediate bond. I mean, even though
I knew our lives were different,I could see that they loved the same
things about the sport that I did. So we invited the team to come
to the United States and participate inan adult soccer tournament that's held every year,
and we had Becca said right away, we will come, we will
(15:39):
come, And we had significant hurdlesto overcome, but miracles fell in place
very close to the last minute,and they came and it was just so
fabulous experience, and a group ofmy soccer buddies traveled to South Africa the
following year. In twenty eleven,so just the whole amazing experience and mark
(16:00):
this story was what I was eagerto share with the world. But once
I got into writing the book,I did a significant amount of research into
the history of South Africa and thepolitical and societal pressures that impact the lives
of these women, and some ofthem entrusted me with their life stories,
(16:22):
and I just as I went onthis writing journey, I just became more
and more determined to share their storywith the world. Yeah, well,
I you know, I've got thisbook a couple weeks ago and I haven't
been able to put it down.And even though I read it cover to
cover, I find myself going backand rereading some of these stories because they
are very incredible. It goes beyondsoccer. And Becca, your story is
(16:44):
so incredible. It's such an honorfor me to talk to you right now.
I have goose bumps just talking toyou. What inspired you to start
the soccer grannies? How did thatidea come to you to start playing soccer
at such a late age? Iguess, okay, what are you in?
My country didn't play soccer, especiallywomen. Yes, they're playing now,
like Bayana Bayana, But it wasnot like you know, I mean,
(17:07):
the grandes did not play at all. Some of them did not even
go to school. A lot ofthings happening to them, so it was
not like we're starting soccer. Youknow. It happened in another way because
I had cancer and as I wasgoing through the treatment, it was not
okay. But at the end ofthe day, my doctor advised me,
(17:29):
because I was in a wheelchair withla parrel, go back, and then
the doctor advised me to exercise.And because the trust they have in my
community, because once people don't havethat trust, it's a problem. They
have trust. They trust me inwhatever I do because I built houses,
I do a lot of things inmy community. So when I tell one
(17:51):
graining because my parents didn't want meto go out because I did not my
hair, you know, things werenot okay. And newspapers wrote about me
that the murder terraser of Ni Pompois dying due to cancer. It was
not okay. But I snicked outof the house and then as I was
(18:11):
going in the street, I knowthat people will want to talk to me
about their problems too. It wasan advantage because one grannie, as I
was walking, decided to join me, telling me her problems. But I
knew that I need someone to leanon because I was not okay. And
as we were walking, the otherone joined us the same problem, and
(18:34):
we ended up in a soccer fields. Our aim was not to go there
and play soccer. We were justgoing there. We were exercising by walking.
But we ended up there and theboys were playing soccer. It's a
soccer field, you know, it'sbig. And then the boys were playing
there, the ball came to us. One grenny decided to run. Imagine
(18:56):
a grannie in my own community running. People will live and say why is
she doing this? She ran,she missed the ball. She tried to
kick the ball for the second time, she missed and with a long skat.
You know, it was not okay, but we enjoyed it and for
the third time, and the boyscame to us and tried to play around
(19:17):
the greenies, you know. Andthen from there the next day I received
the call ell in the morning.They said no, no, no,
no, no. You know Islept the row and what we did yester
day, it was okay, let'sgo back there, and I said,
no, I'll come pick you up. As I was working. I picked
the first one, the second one. At the end of the day we
were many around eighty. We startedexactly with eighty grannies. They enjoyed what
(19:41):
was doing. Bad. The communitywere saying, our granniece will fall.
Even some of the greennies were saying, our knees will have a problem with
that. And I said, no, if you want to come and enjoy
it with us, just come ifyou don't want to stay at home.
But here we are. We arefamous. Now. You know, we've
(20:03):
all know that exercise is a greathealer, but to have it a soccer
is like a very strenuous type ofexercise. And probably there were other things
that you could have probably done toexercise. Why did you choose soccer?
Why what was the poll or thefascination? I guess that you drew you
to the game. As I said, I do a lot of community.
(20:25):
We do sewing. But at theend of the day, to me,
it was not okay because we sitdown and then we do the sewing while
talking or gossiping. To put itlike that, you go home still the
same. So with soccer, Irealized the first day that I believe in
things and I want I know thatyou are what fanatic, but I made
(20:48):
someone to prove that, or ascientist. I don't know if I'm putting
it, but medically I need peoplewho will come and say to prove if
I'm wrong. But I believe inthings. Remember that I was sick for
a long time. Even when youare angry, you yourself, or if
you have a problems, start fromthe stomach, because that thing, it
is my belief, It comes here, head there and you end up having
(21:14):
a lot of stress and so manythings. So when we are there we
laugh a lot. I'm telling youyou will save their teeth that are not
there. But we are laughing alot. We share our problems at the
end of the day. When Ibelieve that when you laugh seriously laughing,
the muscles and the blood flows easily. And when you kick the ball it
(21:41):
it comes to the hip, theknee and everything in you. And when
you run, I mean the shoulders, because all the problems comes to our
shoulders. And then when you rundoing like this, you end up the
muscles relaxes and when you go homeyou are okay. And that's why I
(22:02):
say soccer is the best than anyother exercise. To ask the greatnes.
And let me tell you something.During COVID, when all the Greennies that
are playing, we never experienced it. Number two, we never I never
had I don't know I even Ididn't even write an email to Jim saying
one gren is having a problem witha knee and a Hipnome we are strong
(22:29):
and we'll play for ninety minutes.Amazing when you're talking ground, it's when
you're talking though, I get Iget a little tia because what you're you're
evoking so much passion for the gameand what I hear. I talked to
a lot of professional players all overthe world and they say the same thing.
He brings them joy, you know, it makes them feel good about
themselves. That there's just so manylayers I guess to the game. And
(22:52):
that's why I thought, that's whyI always say it's the greatest game in
the world. But it's it's greatto see you mayor mayor that, and
so when it's so obviously like ithelped heal your body, but we're also
seeing that with the soccer grannies,you helped heal communities as well. When
did it dawn on you or whendid you realize that soccer could be a
vehicle for doing good. It wasin two thousand and seven when we started,
(23:18):
and when the years comes in,we discover that it's it's it's healing
us, all of us because theyhave different problems, but at the end
of the day, they're okay,we're doing well. We share, you
know, when we are together,we share our problems. We have doctors,
we have nurses, where social workerswhere it's not like only soccer.
(23:41):
We we come there with our problemsand we help each other to solve those
problems with I don't want any grennyto go back home with the same thing.
Sometimes they just come to me personalityto tell me their problems. But
when they go back home, I'mtelling you they're okay. They love me
(24:02):
so much you can't believe it.When I tell them not to come even
to practice, I don't know whatwill happen. And it come when they
practice Tuesday and Thursday, you justsit in a corner. You know,
when they're laid, they run.They put their beads here on the head
or here, but they run.You'll see them that they enjoy what they're
(24:25):
doing and they don't want to bedisturbed and it has lessened a teenage pregnancy
because I don't want to live withkids. No, no, no,
at my age, it's my time. It's our time to enjoy because before
you'll sit under the tree, Janewill give birth and then I look after
(24:47):
her kids and then head children willdo the same. Ah. No,
we are tired. We look afterour kids now. It's our time because
the government in South Africa gets usmoney. Like when you zero year to
eighteen, they give you a grant, So take that grand take you a
child to please school yourself, experiencethe difficulties of bringing up a child.
(25:14):
It's our time to use makeup,our names, our hair, look after
our bodies. It's our time,you know. I mean at the old
age. The only thing that we'relooking now is death. So we're not
looking at death. We're looking atmaking ourself happy. Wow, you're you're
you're a force. Let me tellyou. I think that pretty evident as
(25:37):
you're speaking, and and I meanthere's so much focused on the youth right
now that I'm so happy to betalking to you because there are a group
of us that that need that needto hear that that you know, we
shouldn't be just sitting under a treewaiting to get older, you know,
when there's so much life to live. Like you're saying, when readers first
pick up this book, I thinkone of the things they'll find is that
(25:57):
it's more than just about soccer,right, These stories in here are so
much bigger than soccer. I thinkit's about life, healing, doing doing
good, helping each other. Andobviously some very poignant stories in this book
that I've affected me and I willnever forget. But um, what do
you hope that people get from thebook and the stories that are being told?
(26:21):
What's what's the biggest thing that youwant people to come away with after
reading the book? And this isfor either one of you, you know,
like as just exactly as you're expressing, I want the readers to be
inspired by these South African women whoare so strong and resilient and who carry
forward despite the hardships they've encountered andand find joy in life and just radiate
it whether they're singing, dancing,or casing the soccer ball. And I
(26:45):
also want readers to be inspired thatit's not too late to take up a
new activity, you know, whetherit's soccer or writing a book or anything
else that you know strikes your fancy. And lastly, I hope readers learn
something out South Africa that they didn'tknow before and just appreciate the power of
sport to connect us globally and meaningfulways. They'll been inspired. As Jean
(27:10):
said, but also you know,I'm telling you, playing soccer made us
to come to America. It wasnot easy. It is not easy.
And imagine the Greenies have never everbeen some of them hundred or two hundred
kilometers, but now we're flying,I mean to America, being in a
(27:34):
flight for the first time. Youknow, everything was first in their lives.
It changed them and they're proud ofthemselves. And this by playing soccer,
I now have more than two hundredteams in South Africa. They're still
coming in almost every day and allin each and every village where have soccer
(27:56):
teams, people are playing. They'reenjoying that. In our country now they're
looking at us in a different,different way. So what I'm saying is
that the book will help other countriesand inspire other people that when you come
out of age, you don't seeat home look after the grandchildren. You
(28:17):
must also look after yourself, loveyourself, and that is that definitely says
the book. That's exactly what Igot out of the book too. It
just it gives you that inspiration togo. And yet, if we can
expand on that, Becker, becauselike you were saying, how how the
Grannies first came to the United Statesand that that changed you? And what
way did it change you? Andwhat were your your overall thoughts when you
(28:38):
first came here. What do youthink of the American women and all the
experiences that you experienced. And rememberthat we're from a country that we experience
apartate. So when we come hereto meet Jane, and as she was
writing to us, you know whatamazed me even today and I didn't tell
(29:02):
them, It's like we slept intheir houses. They took good care of
us, and I thought maybe they'renot even like the Greennies, but the
love and the care that they gaveus, it's amazing. I'm telling you,
it changed their loves because when theylook at a white person, it
was something else before, I meanbefore things change, but here in after
(29:30):
nineteen ninety four, things change.We managed to come to South Africa.
I have this the love from Jean. I can hug her, she's my
sister. And before it was notlike that. So to the Grennis it
made I'm telling you ask them beingnext to Jean or whoever it it impacted
(29:51):
them a lot because it was notlike that before, flying sitting next to
you know, that's they're talking aboutit. I'm telling you it changed them.
Example, they came to South Africa. People didn't believe. But we
can bring them to South Africa.They can eat what we're eating. They
can do with us. But wehave sist us and we have They say,
(30:12):
I discovered that we have the sameblood. They treat us like them.
They don't see any different from us. So I'm telling you it's changed
us completely. That's so awesome.And and and Gene, I can ask
you kind of the same question becauseof course you tell the story of the
(30:32):
soccer Grannies coming to the States toplay for the first time, as well
as your own experience traveling traveling toSouth Africa to play a few matches.
How did those experiences change your lifeand your teammates life. Yeah, I
think Becca puts it very well,like we never could have never imagine where
the Soccer would take me. Andyou know, the experience of meeting Becca
(30:52):
and the Grannies, we were justso touched by every everything, just in
Alle the whole time of all theexcitement going on. And yeah, as
Becca's here now for this book launchweeks, she's a hero and everyone's so
excited to meet her, and um, yeah, it's just it's just wonderful.
Yeah, we'll hear more from Jeanand Becca after this short break.
(31:37):
I have to tell you my eightyear old niece is staying with me this
week, and so she saw theSoccer Grannies book and she's like, oh,
what is this that I was tellingher your story Becca, and she
told me. I said, doyou want me to ask her a certain
question? And she said, justjust tell her that I think she's the
kindest person I've ever heard about,and then the other and then then she
went to school and look at me, I'm getting it. Liked her yet.
(31:59):
Um. She went to school,they had a field trip and they
went to an amusement park and shecame home and she told me, she's
like, oh, I spent alittle bit more money because a friend of
mine or this girl that she hadjust met on the field trip didn't have
enough money for Jews, and soshe said, like I bought her some
juice and she's like, I'm wantto be kind like Becca, and I
(32:20):
mean, forget it. I'm justlike lost. At that point, I
was like, Okay, Becca's liketouching more people than we know here.
Um, So I want to askyou both. I need like some symbaltas.
I'm like getting like so emotional talkingto you, and I think that's
just that. I think that's justreflective of the book, Gene that.
I mean, you told this storyso well and and Becca's story I think
(32:42):
needs to be told for a lotof us right now. But Um,
I wanted to ask you both aboutyour respective women's national teams as we approached
the Women's World Cup. Gene.The roster for US women's national team for
Women's World Cup was announced this week, and it's been noted by many that
it's the most diverse team we've everseen for the US women. It's about
time, right, Um, whatare your thoughts on the diversity and how
(33:04):
important is it for the world tosee a team that actually looks like our
country. Oh, I think it'shugely important. I mean I know,
soccer has always been a pay toplay sports, so it's been tough to
get there. But yeah, weneed we need this diversity, absolutely need
it to show the world exactly whatyou said, reflecting there we are and
it's been like like, um,you know, just like you, you're
(33:27):
doing so many great things. You'reusing soccer as a vehicle to do good
things. I think that for women'ssoccer, that's the way it's always been.
They've always had this you know,weight on their back to kind of
push forward and be progressive and fightfor for different types of rights and pay
and having more differs city and allthose things. So you're you're exactly right,
it's it's important. And Forbecca,I mean we're we're huge fans of
(33:51):
Banyana Banyana. We've had a fewof the players on to show over the
years. We had coach Desiree Lsonand she wand this. Yeah, I
just we've always loved watching Banyana Banyana. I mean, they have a style
all their own, and I thinkthat that's uh, you know, love
it or not love it, it'sit's really fun to watch and the enthusiasm
(34:12):
is just infectious. I think forus to watch them, so we root
for Banyana Banyan all the time.What are your thoughts on the team and
what does it mean for young girlsand women in particular in South Africa to
see this team like on the biggeststage in the world. You know,
Um, we are so excited becausein twenty nineteen we were in France and
West then playing and I'm telling youthat that the Bana we're playing the Greenies
(34:39):
with them, and we moved forwardto be closed to them when they they
score the first goal even though theydidn't win, and then you know what's
happened. They just come to usand they were claying when they didn't win
because to them, they know,but we love Igula and they were excited
(35:00):
to see their grandparents, their motherswho can't even afford to go to such
countries watching them playing. So forthem to go and play, they're representing
us. And I mean remember thatafter you know, there's an age where
they also join back that one.I know we'll have the engine reason coming
(35:24):
after them. So we are soexcited and we're proud of them. We're
willing behind them. We even composedthe song The Great is composed the song
for them, and I think they'llbe singing back of watching their televisions.
Where can we hear the song?Is it online somewhere they're just saying,
you know, I'm just playing.They need to record it, um and
(35:50):
it's great, you know. Andthe other the great thing about women's soccer
right now is that there's leagues allover the world and it gives the opportunity
for some of these national team playersto play all over the world. And
of course we've had a few SouthAfricans play in the NWSL here. I
would just just love to see ifSouth Africans come here and play, whether
it's in college or on the professionallevel, it means a lot to us.
So what's next for both of you? Are you planning more tournaments?
(36:13):
Does the story continue? Yes,we are planning to have the International greennies
So Tournament in twenty twenty five.The reason is because I mean, if
Jane is sixty now, after fiveyears she will be sixty five. I
will be sixty. So we realizethat we are the best thing is to
(36:37):
have it after maybe three years isthree years, yea three years we have
it. Remember, we cannot followthe fifth rules. We are the Greennies.
So we have our own rules thatwe follow. So we agreed that
our plan is to have another onein South Africa twenty twenty five. We
(36:59):
need more teams to join us.Let them come and join us. And
I think I mean that one.I wish if we'd seen in mutual we
were the best. I mean,each team coming in its country, within
its national anthem, without any problem, and we were playing that. You
(37:19):
know, it was nice. Itwas nice. We were like the best.
So Jim will d yes, yeah, I mean back I was taught
had this dream back in twenty ten. It's in the book that she was
going to host this Grannies World Cup, and don't you know this year she
pulls it off. I mean,she just sets a dream and she can
(37:40):
make it happen. And we hadfifty women from Boston go three teams from
the US, you know, intheir fifties, sixties and seventies, and
it was just such a wonderful gathering, you know, of teams from across
Africa and the US and Europe,you know, coming together to celebrate our
shared love for the sport and showthe world that you know, we can
(38:04):
we can be exercising and this isimportant. Yeah, and it all.
It also struck me that, um, you know how far Becky and the
grannies have come in this fifteen yearsbecause at first they were told, you
know, you're ridiculed, you shouldbe home watching the grandchildren, and now
you're they're the heroes bringing this youknow, international event, and and it
was just so amazing for me toobecause starting, you know, my first
(38:29):
team sport in my mid forties,I've never played in front of five people,
let alone a packed stadium. Itwas just an incredible experience, especially
with those the Vouzela's going right.I was like everything was was there.
We enjoyed. I think even Jimenjoyed. They're talking about it. They
(38:49):
want to go back to South Africa. It was one of the best.
Yeah. Yeah, I like theway you two looked at each other when
I asked you what's next, becauseit's like, should we say that about
the tournament? But I hope thatwhen when it happens, you you invite
us and or we can invite youback on and talk about it. That
would be amazing. Maybe. Yeah, I would like to say support Gin
(39:10):
and support us to support this initiative. It is not for us. It's
for for all the people who whouldlike to change their lives. So people
like you, if you support usin social media or social platform, you
know it will help us a note, because we want this to be people
(39:31):
don't just want this for ourselves.Ran the teams in every country of the
world. Invite other grains. I'mtelling you they will be inspired. Invite
them all over the country. Letthem contact Gene, and Gene will contact
me, and then by doing thatwe'll have one of the best twenty gentifyed
(39:53):
worldcap Please come, Petty, Yeah, I definitely would love boy. It
would be great to like every threemonths or so have a granny on on
the show. That would be amazing. Yeah, we'll get we'll get together,
Gene and and maybe you can wecan invite some more grannies on and
especially leading up to like that greattournament and all the good things going on,
and then you're talking about supporting youand supporting like these other soccer granny
(40:17):
teams coming in. Um, whatcan we do as listeners, like the
listeners out there listening like they wantto help, Like, what can they
do to help? Where can theygo? Yeah, that's a great question.
Yeah, so I am donating allthe book proceeds to the Becca and
it's sun we see foundations. Soif you love the book and spread the
word, that's certainly helpful. UmI think I don't think we've mentioned yet
(40:40):
that beyond this tournament, Becca hasnow over two hundred teams across South Africa
that she has inspired. So it'sjust, you know, it's just I
feel like supporting Becca's initiatives to improvethe health of older women is in South
Africa is so important. We launchto go fund me. It's called Score
(41:01):
one for the South African sacer Grannies, and so any contribution, you know,
bigger, small, goes directly toBecca's important work. And there's lots
more fun pictures and all kinds ofthings on my website and Petty, I've
never said this, but I thinkit's good for me to say this,
(41:24):
and I'm not buying anyone's face.I just want to thank you know,
every time when I want to sayit, I just cried because I know
where I come from and I knowwhere I'm going to. I just want
to thank gin. You know,I want your listeners to know this.
I just want to thank this womanfor killing me, you know, and
(41:44):
making and changing my life. Shemay take it simple, but to me,
it's something. You know. Iremember the time when I was in
hospital, at the time when thingswere not going okay, she wouldn't be
there for me. She'll listen tome, and I'm telling you, I'm
alive because of people like Jim.She listened to me. She'll give you
(42:07):
know, time to find out.Sometimes I didn't want to answer her.
I didn't want to talk to anyone, but she'll force me to talk to
her. And now she has writtena book about us. Who thought to
write a book about us? Noone, but she came all over from
America to write about who are neglected? Grannis and I feel great and honored.
(42:30):
Even if I die today, I'vebeen I've written this somewhere and my
younger brother knows about this, Mydaughter knows about this, that Jim,
Catherine, Alison, and hither.I just want to say say thank you
because I may not have any othertime to say this. Remember that cancer
its own remission. It may comeback. But to Jim Daffy live Low,
(42:54):
it isn't absolutely continue to be anhonor. It almost seems like destiny,
doesn't it or some type of fatethat brought you two together and then
created this, this amazing story.And then to Becca to be so generous
with your like honesty and truthfulness andtelling your story and then getting this other
(43:15):
women to tell their stories. Geaneis just I mean, it's it's just
be all. Like I said,it's a it's a book beyond soccer.
Um. I'm so happy to haveyou guys here and spotlight it and um
and I just want to say,Gene, thanks for writing such an amazing
book. I think it changed me. It changed my perspective on the game.
I think anybody who picks it upwill be changed. I mean,
(43:36):
if you have a heart and asoul, you're going to be changed.
And Mama Becca, thank you forall you do in the world, just
telling your story like I said,and helping to tell the story of these
ladies. It's just so inspiring.Just thank you. Thank you both for
coming on the show and share itwith our ensuring it with our listeners.
We so appreciate both of you.Same Thie, She'll be so happy so
(44:02):
and sparring. I have to tellyou I broke into tears a few times
in that interview. If you can'tif you couldn't tell. Usually I try
to keep my cool, but it'svery you know, when you're I don't
know how to say this, likeand this was a zoom call obviously,
but when you're like in the presenceof somebody who just evokes I guess it
kind of like over the top humanitarianism, you know, type of spirit.
(44:28):
You know, it's just kind ofit kind of engulfs you a little bit,
and it's very overwhelming, you know, it overwhelmed me at times just
talking to them. And and alittle background story on that interview. I
was going to interview Jean on thebook, and Jeane, you know,
and I were corresponding the email andwe were trying to get our schedules together.
(44:49):
And then one day Jeane emailed meand she says, You're not going
to believe this, but Becca mightbe come into town. Do you want
to hold off in the interview untilshe comes in We're trying to get her
visa proved and all of stuff.And I was like, yes, yes,
yes, I'll wait because obviously theywere in Massachusetts, Simon California.
So I waited a few days andthen I got another email from Geene and
(45:10):
she's like, yes, she's coming. I'm like, let's do it.
Let's set up the interview asap,before she changes her mind, before your
schedules get too crazy. And itwas just like kismet, right, it
just all came together. And tohave them both on the show, I
mean really, you heard me sayI was. I felt pretty lucky.
I feel lucky for all of usbecause I don't know when that's going to
(45:30):
happen again, you know, orwhen that will happen again to where they're
in the same room. You know. I took like a screenshot at them,
I shared on Instagram. I mighthave already shared it by the time
you listen to this, but youknow, and they were just they're just
so close. It's an unlikely friendship, right, this soccer mom from Boston
area and then this other mom overthe other side of the world and in
(45:52):
South Africa living in a very differentlife and struggling with cancer and raising her
family and you know, in grandisand things, and and on top of
it, building houses for you know, the more underprivileged than she herself was.
And so they they met, andthe book tells the story and it's
just so unlikely, but their bondis so tight and you could really see
(46:15):
it, you know, when they'resitting next to each other in the same
room and Becca's got her arm aroundJean and Jean just beaming, trying to
hold back tears. And I mean, it's just it's palpable, you know,
even even on a zoom call.I'm hoping, even as in an
audio interview like this, that itresonates, you know, through your headphones,
(46:35):
that you were able to hear thatthat closeness. And and they are
two very determined women to take thistheme called soccer this thing right, it's
like, what do you do kicka ball around the grass or the dirt
or wherever you or the street whereever you kick in the ball, and
turn it into something positive for yourhealth, for your physical health, for
your mental health, for the maybeyour longevity, you know, and how
(46:59):
long you live because you're out there, you're getting exercise. More than that,
you're laughing, right, and thenyou're doing good for the community.
You're raising money, and we wantto help them raise money too. And
you heard Becca and Jane talk aboutthe go fund me and we have that
link on our show notes. Andof course I'll be sharing that on social
as well, so so there's there'sno excuse not to click that link and
(47:21):
try to give them a helping hand. And and you know, if you
can't give monetarily, you know,you can always give your time and your
your voice or whatever you have togive. They are not picky when it
comes to people who want to helpthe soccer grannies. And it's so needed.
And you know, there's, likeI said in the beginning, like
there's such an emphasis on youth rightnow, especially in the pro in the
(47:44):
pro ranks, but I think itkind of trickles down, you know,
into our society and you know,if you're a soccer mom or you're shuffling
your kids back and forth, youknow it, kick the ball around with
them. You know, you don'thave to be on a league. It's
nice to be in a rec league. And there's plenty of adult rec leagues.
I'm sure if you go on Googleand google soccer rec leagues for women
over forty or something like that,I'm sure you'll find a ton of them.
(48:07):
And maybe that's something that you mighttry, you know, and maybe
you have your you know, startyour own soccer Grannies, you know,
and be in the soccer Grannies WorldCup, you never know, because the
dreams are limitless. And I'm tellingyou, like just listening to that interview
and talking to Jean and beccas likeit's almost like your limits just fall away.
(48:27):
There are no limits, right,there's no limits to how how long
you're gonna play, how long you'regoing to enjoy the game. You know,
all the things that you can do, whether it's in soccer, I
mean you her Geane, whether it'ssoccer or writing a book. She never
wrote a book before, but shethat this story was inspiring to her.
She found something that was totally inspiringto her and needed that voice and she
(48:50):
found that and that was a purposefor her, and she wrote this incredible
book. And I have a feelingthat the story isn't done yet. It's
not done yet. I feel there'sanother book in Jean somewhere down the line,
and I can't wait to hear fromher. Well, so, what
a great interview. I'm so happy. Thank you, Thank you to Jean
Duffy and Mama Becca and son wesee for coming on the show, taking
(49:13):
time out of their busy schedule,and I mean they're busy schedule because I
know that they packed a lot ofthings in to Becca stay and just appreciate
them so much on so many levels. So thank you for coming on and
sharing the story. And like Isaid, you know, maybe you get
some mother's soccer granny's on. Ithink it's really cool to hear their stories
and makes you see things differently.And I'm telling you like my eight year
(49:36):
old niece, she was enthralled withthis story as I was telling her about
it, and it touched her somuch and now she's like a Becca fan.
Right. What do you think aboutwhen you think about aging? Do
you think about sitting under a treewatching the clouds go by, sitting on
your front porch with a glass oflemonade and in a rocking chair. Or
(50:00):
do you think about uncertainty, theunknown? What's going to happen to me?
Where am I going to live?How am I going to take care
of myself? All these things arevery common as we age, as we
get older, and you don't reallystart to think about that until you reach
a certain age. Maybe it isin your golden years, so they say,
or maybe it is after you've retired. Maybe you're starting to feel a
(50:20):
little achy, right, Like Beccasaid, you're filling that weight on your
shoulders or backs hurting you, yourlegs hurting you. Get out there,
Get out and take a walk,get some fresh air, you know,
if you want to kick a ball, And like Jeans said, it's never
too late to do something different.It may not be kicking a ball,
but it might be maybe writing abook, or writing a blog, or
planning a tree, or we arebuilding a house. It could be all
(50:45):
kinds of things. We never knowuntil we try. But there's always something
right, because there's more to lifethan just sitting around waiting to die.
I mean, that's kind of dark, but that's how Becca put it right,
waiting for death to come along.We're more than that. We're bigger
than that, and we're more creativethan that, and it could very well
change our lives. Take a pageout of the Soccer Grannies book literally and
(51:09):
figuratively, take a page out ofwhat they're doing. An amazing story of
the Soccer Grannies inspiring. I'll neverforget it changing my life, and I
know it will change ours too.And as we reach the eve of Women's
World Cup twenty twenty three. Whenwe watch our favorite players play, Yeah,
they're in the prime of their life, many of them, right,
(51:30):
they're in their twenties, early twenties, mid twenties, early thirties, and
they're living life. They're living thedream. Take something from them too,
Take an inspiration from them, becausethey were little girls once dreaming and doing
something incredible, and they're doing iton the biggest stage in the world,
from countries all over the world,from different circumstances. Like I always say,
(51:52):
there's not one path to the bigtime, and there's not one path
to what you want to do.Either. Soccer could be a vehicle or
it could just be something that inspiresyou. Either way, we take the
journey together and the joy comes withsharing those stories. I really hope that
you enjoyed episode two hundred and nineteenof Women's World Football Show. I would
(52:15):
love to hear your thoughts on myexclusive interview with Gene Duffy and Becca and
Swanweeze. Feel free to email meat Patty at wwfshow dot com. I
read all the emails and do mybest reply in a timeling manner. If
you did enjoy this episode, subscribenow on Apple Podcasts Spotify, iHeartRadio app,
Google Play, tuned in, castbox, spreaker, Stitcher, wwfshow
(52:37):
dot com, or wherever you're listeningto this right now. And if you
really really enjoy listening to Women's WorldFootball Show, one of the best ways
you can show your appreciation is togive us a five star rainy and leave
a review wherever you listen. Ialways love to know your thoughts and reviews
are the best ways for others tofind the show. Also, another way
to help grow the show and growthis beautiful game that we love is to
(52:58):
tell your friends and family about Women'sWorld Football Show. If you're listening on
a mobile device, swipe over thecover art and you'll find episode notes,
including some details you may have missed. For relative links from this episode,
visit our show notes on wwfshow dotcom. Connect with us on Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram at WWF Show, and follow me on Twitter at Patti
(53:19):
Labella. Twelve. Women's World FootballShow is hosted, written, edited,
and produced by Patty Labella. That'sMe. Additional assistance for this episode by
Gene Duffy and thank you, especiallyyou for joining me on this exciting journey
through women's football. Stay strong,stay mindful, keep it up in your
heart, and we'll see you allnext time.
Aging is something that's inevitable and nomatter how hard we try, the aging
process is out of our control.But as we age, how we take
care of our bodies, minds,and souls is completely within our control.
The decisions we make every day affectthis. Are we eating right? Are
(00:25):
we moving our bodies? Are wefilling our minds with positivity and surrounding us
with positive people? Are we fillingour days with helpfulness and service to others?
This is all within our control,and for many of us, soccer
is a great way to get outthere and get some exercise and get some
fresh air, meet some friends whoare normally very upbeaten, positive, or
(00:48):
just kind of ride the wave ofour favorite team, and be a part
of this very interesting and exciting community. On today's show, we learn how
a group of soccer playing grandmas usethe game to help heal their bodies,
minds, and even the people aroundthem. Author of the new book Soccer
Grannies, The South African Women WhoInspire the World, Jean Duffy, is
(01:11):
here to talk about her book andthis remarkable story of some very special women
in South Africa who are on ajourney to change lives their own and others
in their community and throughout the world. It's amazing, amazing story and all
through the game of soccer. Andif that's not enough. Along with Jeane,
we welcome the main subject of herbook and founder of the Soccer Grannies,
(01:34):
humanitarian and role model Rebecca and Swanwisiis here to share her awe inspiring
story. This is an interview youdo not want to miss, no matter
what age you are, or nomatter what age you feel. So jump
out of that rocking chair and let'srock this episode. This is Women's Role
(01:55):
Football Show. Hey everyone, welcometo episode two hundred and nineteen of Women's
RULD Football Show. How are youdoing. I hope that you're doing well
and feeling great and getting outside thesummer. I know it's a hot summer
(02:17):
for many of us. I don'tknow about you, but I thrive in
the heat. I love the heat. I'm like a lizard. I get
some sun out there and I'm likeout there, no problem, one hundred
degrees out there, And so ofcourse we're bringing the heat in this episode.
I thought it was a crazy segue. Wasn't it not just a good,
(02:38):
good summer, good time? Ithink to just to be here on
earth and to be sharing these storieswith you. I mean, I feel
so fortunate and grateful that you arehere and that you're listening and enjoying this
interview that I have with these twoamazing, like I just said, in
awe, inspiring women that will liftyou up and also maybe help you take
(03:00):
stock of your own life and thethings that are going on around you.
I know, sometimes it's kind ofdeep in those dry opens, you know,
but and then we kind of loosenup as the show goes on.
But this is not This is avery lighthearted and upbeat interview. And the
stories that are told in Jean's bookare I mean, they're so above inspiring.
(03:21):
I'm going to run out of adjectivesprobably to explain it. But just
the stories she tells of these womenin South Africa and in all grandmas,
I mean, it's just just theterm, right. It's not Megan Rapino
grandma. It's like real grandma,like your grandma that you know and love
and maybe suffering with some ailments.These were women who got together and decided,
you know, and heck with that, we're gonna go outside. We're
(03:44):
going to kick a ball, justlike the little kids out there and we're
going to change the world. Andthey did it, and it's just amazing,
amazing story and I'm so fortunate tobe able to bring it to you
today. And with the two womenwho are just like I mean, talk
about Rocket, they're just they're rockingthe book tour right now, been together
in the same country. So it'sjust amazing. So about a great show.
(04:04):
And hey, as you know,this is the ten year anniversary of
Women's Rule Football Show and it's aWorld Cup year, so that makes it
extra special. And I just wantedto say thank you. I'm gonna say
thank you as much as I canbecause, just like Becca says in this
interview, you know, sometimes youwant to say thank you and the words
don't come out, or maybe youmiss the chance. So you know,
(04:25):
every show I have this year,just want to say thank you to all
the listeners out there, all youguys listening and who whether you're a longtime
listener and a fan of the show, you know, first of all,
thank you, I mean, it'sbeen quite a ride and are if you're
a new listener, welcome. Ihope that you enjoyed this episode and also
check out the past two hundred andeighteen episodes that are available wherever you listen
(04:48):
to your podcasts. If you havea favorite player, we've probably had them
on the show once or twice overthe years, So check out our library,
go to wwfshow dot com, orjust scre you know, through the
podcast shows whatever podcast app you listento, and just scroll through those shows.
I'm I'm sure we've had a favoriteguest of yours or somebody that you've
(05:10):
been wanting to hear from. Um, there's like something like four hundred to
five hundred guests over the years.We have more guests than shows because in
the early days of the podcast,before twenty nineteen, I'd say, are
we change the format? In twentynineteen, our shows were a little longer.
Sometimes they rang from like two hoursor more, and we've featured sometimes
(05:32):
three to four guests, So muchdifferent format than we have today. Now
it's more focused, more targeted.I'm able to spend more time with the
guests and tell their stories, youknow, inside the interview and outside,
and I think that that resonates betterwith people. Plus, you know,
who wants to listen to a twohour podcast? We want to get in
and out right, we want totake that train ride or that bicycle ride
(05:55):
or that walk around the block andlisten to a podcast, not spend days
and days on it. So,um, just from hearing your feedback,
I know that that format change wasmuch appreciated. And also she just shows
them the downloads as well. Butbefore twenty nineteen, we had a lot
of guests on each show, Soif you scroll through those, I'm sure
you'll find a player or coach orsome influencer, author, photographer, or
(06:19):
whoever in the game that you reallyenjoy, maybe following on social media or
following them playing and then never hada chance to actually hear their stories.
So go back and check our library. It's extensive. And if you don't
find your favorite player or your favoritecoach, email me Patty at wwfshow dot
(06:39):
com and uh, you know,give me a suggestion, tell me a
player that you'd like to hear from, and I'll do my best to get
them on it. It's happened before. I've had plenty of people email me
and say, hey, can youget this this player in you know in
Ghana and o our this player atBristal City or you know wherever they are
in the world. I will Iwill hunt them down and I'll try to
(07:01):
get them on the show. Andwe've done it. We've done it over
the past, so it's it's it'sa great it's a great challenge for me,
and also it's a great reward foreverybody else because and for me as
well, because we get to hearthe stories of people that we maybe have
never heard from before. I neverknew about in countries and playing in different
different leagues around the world, andthen it sparks another interest, you know,
(07:24):
they're like, wow, maybe Ishould maybe I should check out that
that Gona League or you know,or Haiti. Let me what's going on
in Haiti. So I don't know. It's always is a treat for me
to get emails and from here fromyou guys wherever you are, and tell
me about the players that you liketo hear from, and we do my
best to get them on. Andalso I know I mentioned the grandma Megan
(07:47):
Rapino. Just a quick shout outto a Pino if you haven't heard,
US women's national team forward Megan Rapinojust announced her retirement, So just want
to give a shout out to aPino. I mean what a powerful presence
she's been in the game. She'sdone so much in her career on the
pitch and off the pitch, andso it was expected, you know,
(08:07):
we expected her. She's she's thirtyeight years old. You know, she's
been playing for a long time.I'm sure that the wear and tear,
you know that this game has onyou. It was expected that she would
retire at some point. But shewill of course be at Women's World Cup
this year twenty twenty three, andthen she'll finish out her season with the
ol Rain. Also on next episode, we'll hear from Pino. We'll hear
(08:31):
quite a bit from her. Actually, I was at the media day US
women's national team media day about aweek a week and a half ago,
and I got a ton of soundbitesfrom the US winans national team players.
So I'm going through all those soundbitesright now and we'll play those on our
next episode as we're leading into Women'sWorld Cup. On the eve of Women's
World Cup, I'll have a newshow out in a couple of weeks,
(08:54):
and then we'll play all those interviewsand sound bites from the US winen's national
team, which is an interest team. You know, we're talking about aging
on this show a little bit,and one of the main focuses I had
when I was talking to these playersis is you know, it's a very
we think it's a young team,but it's actually the average age of the
team right now is twenty eight.But they are missing a few of the
(09:18):
older players. Of course, Beckysabrand out with injury, and then then
then bringing in some really young playerslike Alissa Thompson right Angel City, she's
eighteen years old, and you know, in Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez.
So there's a lot of young playerson the team that we're keeping track of.
And and that topic came up,and you know, how what do
you learn from the older players?That was a question that I asked a
(09:41):
lot. So as we carry thisthread on into the next episode, I
hope that you join us. Thenwhen we hear from a lot of the
US When's national team players as weheaded to Women's World Cup, very very
exciting, and of course hearing MeganRapino's retirement announcement as well, retiring the
ripled age of thirty eight, thesoccer grannies are like, what come on,
(10:05):
you still have thirty years left atleast. But yeah, so we'll
hear that that'll be on next show. This show, of course. Amazing,
amazing story the Soccer Grannies. Ihave the book in my hand,
and if you know me, likedo I think you do? You know?
I love soccer books. I havea whole bookshelf full of soccer books,
primarily women's soccer books, and Ihave to say this is one of
(10:28):
the more unique and interesting stories Iread in a long long time. And
it's completely I mean, I readthis thing. I crushed it in like
a week. But I've been justgoing back and rereading the stories because the
way that it's written is very it'svery uneasy read, even though it's a
it's a like over two hundred pagebook. You know, it's a few
(10:50):
pictures here and there, but tellingthe stories of these women in South Africa
who literally soccer change their life,whether physically, emotionally, monetarily. It
just changed changed their lives. Andwhen you read these stories, it'll change
yours too, guaranteed. I saythis to Jean a lot in the interview.
(11:13):
I said it to you, ifyou have a heart and soul,
this book's going to change you,because the stories in here are just amazing
and I've been just kind of readingthrough it and it's dog eared and all
the pages are kind of torn,and I just highly recommend it. And
of course on our show notes ifyou go there, I have like the
links on where you can buy thebook and where you can learn more about
(11:35):
it, and Jean's website and Becca'swebsite and all the good things, because
I after you hear the story,you're gonna want to do a deep dive
guaranteed into these into this remarkable storyand these remarkable women changing their lives,
you know, and changing the livesaround them. So let's get into the
interview. I'm so excited to sharethis with you. So Becca end Swan
(11:56):
we see affectionately known as Mama Becca. She founded of Vokegula Vokegula Football Club
also known as the Soccer Grannies,which I will be referring to them because
that other name my tongue doesn't like. And they playing a little town called
Kenjan Sakowa in Lompopo, South Africa. I'm sure just annihilating the pronunciation there,
(12:18):
So apologies in advance. And Beccais a motivational speaker, a former
radio announcer, and as you cantell in this interview, she's very well
spoken and very articulate, and she'sjust received countless awards for her community activism.
She's just kind of like a heroin her community. And after this
(12:39):
interview you'll see you'll see why.And she started this soccer team for women
within her community. And then soonthe Soccer Grannies as they became known,
that become an international sensation, playingall over the world and raising so much
money and awareness for their causes andcharities throughout the world. So just just
(13:01):
just a force, a force tobe reckoned with. And Gene Duffy is
a soccer playing mom. She's awriter. She's been published in many magazines
and publications including The Boston Globe,The Concord Monitor, the Summer Fille Journal,
many many others. Her book,Soccer Grannies The South African Women Who
Inspire the World, It's a Rowanand little Field publication is out now,
(13:24):
so let's hear from these amazing women. Please welcome Becca and Swan We see
and Gene Duffy. Well, Ihave to say that I feel like the
luckiest person in the world that Ihave the two of you on the show.
I can't believe my luck how thisall turned out. So thank you
both for coming on the show andsharing this amazing story with us. I
think I think we're all lucky,as listeners were lucky too, So thank
(13:46):
you very much for coming on.Oh, thank you, thanks for doing
us. And very rarely do Ido two interviews at the same time,
but since your accents are so differentslightly, I think listeners will be able
to tell the difference between them thetwo of you. So yes, yeah,
So first, let's start with Eugene. I mean, you're an American,
(14:07):
you love soccer, you play soccer. Can you tell us how you
became aware of soccer grannies and whatinspired you to tell their story? Okay,
well, just to back up alittle bit, I started playing soccer
in my early forties in Lexington,Massachusetts. I was watching my daughters play
and I said, that looks likefun. I could run five miles,
(14:28):
I could run and chase the soccerball. But it was my first team
sport of any kind. And Ifound a group of like minded women and
we started playing. I didn't knowbut just a few years later, a
group of women in South Africa,a group of grandmothers even older than my
team, had also taken to thepitch, you know, quite late in
life, and I became aware ofBecca's team. In twenty ten, South
(14:54):
Africa was hosting the World Cup,the first time on African soil. That
team of grandmothers found themselves in theinternational spotlight because they were the perfect human
interest story. I opened my emailat work one morning and there was a
message from one of my soccer buddiessharing a BBC video newsreel about this South
(15:15):
African team, and I felt animmediate bond. I mean, even though
I knew our lives were different,I could see that they loved the same
things about the sport that I did. So we invited the team to come
to the United States and participate inan adult soccer tournament that's held every year,
and we had Becca said right away, we will come, we will
(15:39):
come, And we had significant hurdlesto overcome, but miracles fell in place
very close to the last minute,and they came and it was just so
fabulous experience, and a group ofmy soccer buddies traveled to South Africa the
following year. In twenty eleven,so just the whole amazing experience and mark
(16:00):
this story was what I was eagerto share with the world. But once
I got into writing the book,I did a significant amount of research into
the history of South Africa and thepolitical and societal pressures that impact the lives
of these women, and some ofthem entrusted me with their life stories,
(16:22):
and I just as I went onthis writing journey, I just became more
and more determined to share their storywith the world. Yeah, well,
I you know, I've got thisbook a couple weeks ago and I haven't
been able to put it down.And even though I read it cover to
cover, I find myself going backand rereading some of these stories because they
are very incredible. It goes beyondsoccer. And Becca, your story is
(16:44):
so incredible. It's such an honorfor me to talk to you right now.
I have goose bumps just talking toyou. What inspired you to start
the soccer grannies? How did thatidea come to you to start playing soccer
at such a late age? Iguess, okay, what are you in?
My country didn't play soccer, especiallywomen. Yes, they're playing now,
like Bayana Bayana, But it wasnot like you know, I mean,
(17:07):
the grandes did not play at all. Some of them did not even
go to school. A lot ofthings happening to them, so it was
not like we're starting soccer. Youknow. It happened in another way because
I had cancer and as I wasgoing through the treatment, it was not
okay. But at the end ofthe day, my doctor advised me,
(17:29):
because I was in a wheelchair withla parrel, go back, and then
the doctor advised me to exercise.And because the trust they have in my
community, because once people don't havethat trust, it's a problem. They
have trust. They trust me inwhatever I do because I built houses,
I do a lot of things inmy community. So when I tell one
(17:51):
graining because my parents didn't want meto go out because I did not my
hair, you know, things werenot okay. And newspapers wrote about me
that the murder terraser of Ni Pompois dying due to cancer. It was
not okay. But I snicked outof the house and then as I was
(18:11):
going in the street, I knowthat people will want to talk to me
about their problems too. It wasan advantage because one grannie, as I
was walking, decided to join me, telling me her problems. But I
knew that I need someone to leanon because I was not okay. And
as we were walking, the otherone joined us the same problem, and
(18:34):
we ended up in a soccer fields. Our aim was not to go there
and play soccer. We were justgoing there. We were exercising by walking.
But we ended up there and theboys were playing soccer. It's a
soccer field, you know, it'sbig. And then the boys were playing
there, the ball came to us. One grenny decided to run. Imagine
(18:56):
a grannie in my own community running. People will live and say why is
she doing this? She ran,she missed the ball. She tried to
kick the ball for the second time, she missed and with a long skat.
You know, it was not okay, but we enjoyed it and for
the third time, and the boyscame to us and tried to play around
(19:17):
the greenies, you know. Andthen from there the next day I received
the call ell in the morning.They said no, no, no,
no, no. You know Islept the row and what we did yester
day, it was okay, let'sgo back there, and I said,
no, I'll come pick you up. As I was working. I picked
the first one, the second one. At the end of the day we
were many around eighty. We startedexactly with eighty grannies. They enjoyed what
(19:41):
was doing. Bad. The communitywere saying, our granniece will fall.
Even some of the greennies were saying, our knees will have a problem with
that. And I said, no, if you want to come and enjoy
it with us, just come ifyou don't want to stay at home.
But here we are. We arefamous. Now. You know, we've
(20:03):
all know that exercise is a greathealer, but to have it a soccer
is like a very strenuous type ofexercise. And probably there were other things
that you could have probably done toexercise. Why did you choose soccer?
Why what was the poll or thefascination? I guess that you drew you
to the game. As I said, I do a lot of community.
(20:25):
We do sewing. But at theend of the day, to me,
it was not okay because we sitdown and then we do the sewing while
talking or gossiping. To put itlike that, you go home still the
same. So with soccer, Irealized the first day that I believe in
things and I want I know thatyou are what fanatic, but I made
(20:48):
someone to prove that, or ascientist. I don't know if I'm putting
it, but medically I need peoplewho will come and say to prove if
I'm wrong. But I believe inthings. Remember that I was sick for
a long time. Even when youare angry, you yourself, or if
you have a problems, start fromthe stomach, because that thing, it
is my belief, It comes here, head there and you end up having
(21:14):
a lot of stress and so manythings. So when we are there we
laugh a lot. I'm telling youyou will save their teeth that are not
there. But we are laughing alot. We share our problems at the
end of the day. When Ibelieve that when you laugh seriously laughing,
the muscles and the blood flows easily. And when you kick the ball it
(21:41):
it comes to the hip, theknee and everything in you. And when
you run, I mean the shoulders, because all the problems comes to our
shoulders. And then when you rundoing like this, you end up the
muscles relaxes and when you go homeyou are okay. And that's why I
(22:02):
say soccer is the best than anyother exercise. To ask the greatnes.
And let me tell you something.During COVID, when all the Greennies that
are playing, we never experienced it. Number two, we never I never
had I don't know I even Ididn't even write an email to Jim saying
one gren is having a problem witha knee and a Hipnome we are strong
(22:29):
and we'll play for ninety minutes.Amazing when you're talking ground, it's when
you're talking though, I get Iget a little tia because what you're you're
evoking so much passion for the gameand what I hear. I talked to
a lot of professional players all overthe world and they say the same thing.
He brings them joy, you know, it makes them feel good about
themselves. That there's just so manylayers I guess to the game. And
(22:52):
that's why I thought, that's whyI always say it's the greatest game in
the world. But it's it's greatto see you mayor mayor that, and
so when it's so obviously like ithelped heal your body, but we're also
seeing that with the soccer grannies,you helped heal communities as well. When
did it dawn on you or whendid you realize that soccer could be a
vehicle for doing good. It wasin two thousand and seven when we started,
(23:18):
and when the years comes in,we discover that it's it's it's healing
us, all of us because theyhave different problems, but at the end
of the day, they're okay,we're doing well. We share, you
know, when we are together,we share our problems. We have doctors,
we have nurses, where social workerswhere it's not like only soccer.
(23:41):
We we come there with our problemsand we help each other to solve those
problems with I don't want any grennyto go back home with the same thing.
Sometimes they just come to me personalityto tell me their problems. But
when they go back home, I'mtelling you they're okay. They love me
(24:02):
so much you can't believe it.When I tell them not to come even
to practice, I don't know whatwill happen. And it come when they
practice Tuesday and Thursday, you justsit in a corner. You know,
when they're laid, they run.They put their beads here on the head
or here, but they run.You'll see them that they enjoy what they're
(24:25):
doing and they don't want to bedisturbed and it has lessened a teenage pregnancy
because I don't want to live withkids. No, no, no,
at my age, it's my time. It's our time to enjoy because before
you'll sit under the tree, Janewill give birth and then I look after
(24:47):
her kids and then head children willdo the same. Ah. No,
we are tired. We look afterour kids now. It's our time because
the government in South Africa gets usmoney. Like when you zero year to
eighteen, they give you a grant, So take that grand take you a
child to please school yourself, experiencethe difficulties of bringing up a child.
(25:14):
It's our time to use makeup,our names, our hair, look after
our bodies. It's our time,you know. I mean at the old
age. The only thing that we'relooking now is death. So we're not
looking at death. We're looking atmaking ourself happy. Wow, you're you're
you're a force. Let me tellyou. I think that pretty evident as
(25:37):
you're speaking, and and I meanthere's so much focused on the youth right
now that I'm so happy to betalking to you because there are a group
of us that that need that needto hear that that you know, we
shouldn't be just sitting under a treewaiting to get older, you know,
when there's so much life to live. Like you're saying, when readers first
pick up this book, I thinkone of the things they'll find is that
(25:57):
it's more than just about soccer,right, These stories in here are so
much bigger than soccer. I thinkit's about life, healing, doing doing
good, helping each other. Andobviously some very poignant stories in this book
that I've affected me and I willnever forget. But um, what do
you hope that people get from thebook and the stories that are being told?
(26:21):
What's what's the biggest thing that youwant people to come away with after
reading the book? And this isfor either one of you, you know,
like as just exactly as you're expressing, I want the readers to be
inspired by these South African women whoare so strong and resilient and who carry
forward despite the hardships they've encountered andand find joy in life and just radiate
it whether they're singing, dancing,or casing the soccer ball. And I
(26:45):
also want readers to be inspired thatit's not too late to take up a
new activity, you know, whetherit's soccer or writing a book or anything
else that you know strikes your fancy. And lastly, I hope readers learn
something out South Africa that they didn'tknow before and just appreciate the power of
sport to connect us globally and meaningfulways. They'll been inspired. As Jean
(27:10):
said, but also you know,I'm telling you, playing soccer made us
to come to America. It wasnot easy. It is not easy.
And imagine the Greenies have never everbeen some of them hundred or two hundred
kilometers, but now we're flying,I mean to America, being in a
(27:34):
flight for the first time. Youknow, everything was first in their lives.
It changed them and they're proud ofthemselves. And this by playing soccer,
I now have more than two hundredteams in South Africa. They're still
coming in almost every day and allin each and every village where have soccer
(27:56):
teams, people are playing. They'reenjoying that. In our country now they're
looking at us in a different,different way. So what I'm saying is
that the book will help other countriesand inspire other people that when you come
out of age, you don't seeat home look after the grandchildren. You
(28:17):
must also look after yourself, loveyourself, and that is that definitely says
the book. That's exactly what Igot out of the book too. It
just it gives you that inspiration togo. And yet, if we can
expand on that, Becker, becauselike you were saying, how how the
Grannies first came to the United Statesand that that changed you? And what
way did it change you? Andwhat were your your overall thoughts when you
(28:38):
first came here. What do youthink of the American women and all the
experiences that you experienced. And rememberthat we're from a country that we experience
apartate. So when we come hereto meet Jane, and as she was
writing to us, you know whatamazed me even today and I didn't tell
(29:02):
them, It's like we slept intheir houses. They took good care of
us, and I thought maybe they'renot even like the Greennies, but the
love and the care that they gaveus, it's amazing. I'm telling you,
it changed their loves because when theylook at a white person, it
was something else before, I meanbefore things change, but here in after
(29:30):
nineteen ninety four, things change.We managed to come to South Africa.
I have this the love from Jean. I can hug her, she's my
sister. And before it was notlike that. So to the Grennis it
made I'm telling you ask them beingnext to Jean or whoever it it impacted
(29:51):
them a lot because it was notlike that before, flying sitting next to
you know, that's they're talking aboutit. I'm telling you it changed them.
Example, they came to South Africa. People didn't believe. But we
can bring them to South Africa.They can eat what we're eating. They
can do with us. But wehave sist us and we have They say,
(30:12):
I discovered that we have the sameblood. They treat us like them.
They don't see any different from us. So I'm telling you it's changed
us completely. That's so awesome.And and and Gene, I can ask
you kind of the same question becauseof course you tell the story of the
(30:32):
soccer Grannies coming to the States toplay for the first time, as well
as your own experience traveling traveling toSouth Africa to play a few matches.
How did those experiences change your lifeand your teammates life. Yeah, I
think Becca puts it very well,like we never could have never imagine where
the Soccer would take me. Andyou know, the experience of meeting Becca
(30:52):
and the Grannies, we were justso touched by every everything, just in
Alle the whole time of all theexcitement going on. And yeah, as
Becca's here now for this book launchweeks, she's a hero and everyone's so
excited to meet her, and um, yeah, it's just it's just wonderful.
Yeah, we'll hear more from Jeanand Becca after this short break.
(31:37):
I have to tell you my eightyear old niece is staying with me this
week, and so she saw theSoccer Grannies book and she's like, oh,
what is this that I was tellingher your story Becca, and she
told me. I said, doyou want me to ask her a certain
question? And she said, justjust tell her that I think she's the
kindest person I've ever heard about,and then the other and then then she
went to school and look at me, I'm getting it. Liked her yet.
(31:59):
Um. She went to school,they had a field trip and they
went to an amusement park and shecame home and she told me, she's
like, oh, I spent alittle bit more money because a friend of
mine or this girl that she hadjust met on the field trip didn't have
enough money for Jews, and soshe said, like I bought her some
juice and she's like, I'm wantto be kind like Becca, and I
(32:20):
mean, forget it. I'm justlike lost. At that point, I
was like, Okay, Becca's liketouching more people than we know here.
Um, So I want to askyou both. I need like some symbaltas.
I'm like getting like so emotional talkingto you, and I think that's
just that. I think that's justreflective of the book, Gene that.
I mean, you told this storyso well and and Becca's story I think
(32:42):
needs to be told for a lotof us right now. But Um,
I wanted to ask you both aboutyour respective women's national teams as we approached
the Women's World Cup. Gene.The roster for US women's national team for
Women's World Cup was announced this week, and it's been noted by many that
it's the most diverse team we've everseen for the US women. It's about
time, right, Um, whatare your thoughts on the diversity and how
(33:04):
important is it for the world tosee a team that actually looks like our
country. Oh, I think it'shugely important. I mean I know,
soccer has always been a pay toplay sports, so it's been tough to
get there. But yeah, weneed we need this diversity, absolutely need
it to show the world exactly whatyou said, reflecting there we are and
it's been like like, um,you know, just like you, you're
(33:27):
doing so many great things. You'reusing soccer as a vehicle to do good
things. I think that for women'ssoccer, that's the way it's always been.
They've always had this you know,weight on their back to kind of
push forward and be progressive and fightfor for different types of rights and pay
and having more differs city and allthose things. So you're you're exactly right,
it's it's important. And Forbecca,I mean we're we're huge fans of
(33:51):
Banyana Banyana. We've had a fewof the players on to show over the
years. We had coach Desiree Lsonand she wand this. Yeah, I
just we've always loved watching Banyana Banyana. I mean, they have a style
all their own, and I thinkthat that's uh, you know, love
it or not love it, it'sit's really fun to watch and the enthusiasm
(34:12):
is just infectious. I think forus to watch them, so we root
for Banyana Banyan all the time.What are your thoughts on the team and
what does it mean for young girlsand women in particular in South Africa to
see this team like on the biggeststage in the world. You know,
Um, we are so excited becausein twenty nineteen we were in France and
West then playing and I'm telling youthat that the Bana we're playing the Greenies
(34:39):
with them, and we moved forwardto be closed to them when they they
score the first goal even though theydidn't win, and then you know what's
happened. They just come to usand they were claying when they didn't win
because to them, they know,but we love Igula and they were excited
(35:00):
to see their grandparents, their motherswho can't even afford to go to such
countries watching them playing. So forthem to go and play, they're representing
us. And I mean remember thatafter you know, there's an age where
they also join back that one.I know we'll have the engine reason coming
(35:24):
after them. So we are soexcited and we're proud of them. We're
willing behind them. We even composedthe song The Great is composed the song
for them, and I think they'llbe singing back of watching their televisions.
Where can we hear the song?Is it online somewhere they're just saying,
you know, I'm just playing.They need to record it, um and
(35:50):
it's great, you know. Andthe other the great thing about women's soccer
right now is that there's leagues allover the world and it gives the opportunity
for some of these national team playersto play all over the world. And
of course we've had a few SouthAfricans play in the NWSL here. I
would just just love to see ifSouth Africans come here and play, whether
it's in college or on the professionallevel, it means a lot to us.
So what's next for both of you? Are you planning more tournaments?
(36:13):
Does the story continue? Yes,we are planning to have the International greennies
So Tournament in twenty twenty five.The reason is because I mean, if
Jane is sixty now, after fiveyears she will be sixty five. I
will be sixty. So we realizethat we are the best thing is to
(36:37):
have it after maybe three years isthree years, yea three years we have
it. Remember, we cannot followthe fifth rules. We are the Greennies.
So we have our own rules thatwe follow. So we agreed that
our plan is to have another onein South Africa twenty twenty five. We
(36:59):
need more teams to join us.Let them come and join us. And
I think I mean that one.I wish if we'd seen in mutual we
were the best. I mean,each team coming in its country, within
its national anthem, without any problem, and we were playing that. You
(37:19):
know, it was nice. Itwas nice. We were like the best.
So Jim will d yes, yeah, I mean back I was taught
had this dream back in twenty ten. It's in the book that she was
going to host this Grannies World Cup, and don't you know this year she
pulls it off. I mean,she just sets a dream and she can
(37:40):
make it happen. And we hadfifty women from Boston go three teams from
the US, you know, intheir fifties, sixties and seventies, and
it was just such a wonderful gathering, you know, of teams from across
Africa and the US and Europe,you know, coming together to celebrate our
shared love for the sport and showthe world that you know, we can
(38:04):
we can be exercising and this isimportant. Yeah, and it all.
It also struck me that, um, you know how far Becky and the
grannies have come in this fifteen yearsbecause at first they were told, you
know, you're ridiculed, you shouldbe home watching the grandchildren, and now
you're they're the heroes bringing this youknow, international event, and and it
was just so amazing for me toobecause starting, you know, my first
(38:29):
team sport in my mid forties,I've never played in front of five people,
let alone a packed stadium. Itwas just an incredible experience, especially
with those the Vouzela's going right.I was like everything was was there.
We enjoyed. I think even Jimenjoyed. They're talking about it. They
(38:49):
want to go back to South Africa. It was one of the best.
Yeah. Yeah, I like theway you two looked at each other when
I asked you what's next, becauseit's like, should we say that about
the tournament? But I hope thatwhen when it happens, you you invite
us and or we can invite youback on and talk about it. That
would be amazing. Maybe. Yeah, I would like to say support Gin
(39:10):
and support us to support this initiative. It is not for us. It's
for for all the people who whouldlike to change their lives. So people
like you, if you support usin social media or social platform, you
know it will help us a note, because we want this to be people
(39:31):
don't just want this for ourselves.Ran the teams in every country of the
world. Invite other grains. I'mtelling you they will be inspired. Invite
them all over the country. Letthem contact Gene, and Gene will contact
me, and then by doing thatwe'll have one of the best twenty gentifyed
(39:53):
worldcap Please come, Petty, Yeah, I definitely would love boy. It
would be great to like every threemonths or so have a granny on on
the show. That would be amazing. Yeah, we'll get we'll get together,
Gene and and maybe you can wecan invite some more grannies on and
especially leading up to like that greattournament and all the good things going on,
and then you're talking about supporting youand supporting like these other soccer granny
(40:17):
teams coming in. Um, whatcan we do as listeners, like the
listeners out there listening like they wantto help, Like, what can they
do to help? Where can theygo? Yeah, that's a great question.
Yeah, so I am donating allthe book proceeds to the Becca and
it's sun we see foundations. Soif you love the book and spread the
word, that's certainly helpful. UmI think I don't think we've mentioned yet
(40:40):
that beyond this tournament, Becca hasnow over two hundred teams across South Africa
that she has inspired. So it'sjust, you know, it's just I
feel like supporting Becca's initiatives to improvethe health of older women is in South
Africa is so important. We launchto go fund me. It's called Score
(41:01):
one for the South African sacer Grannies, and so any contribution, you know,
bigger, small, goes directly toBecca's important work. And there's lots
more fun pictures and all kinds ofthings on my website and Petty, I've
never said this, but I thinkit's good for me to say this,
(41:24):
and I'm not buying anyone's face.I just want to thank you know,
every time when I want to sayit, I just cried because I know
where I come from and I knowwhere I'm going to. I just want
to thank gin. You know,I want your listeners to know this.
I just want to thank this womanfor killing me, you know, and
(41:44):
making and changing my life. Shemay take it simple, but to me,
it's something. You know. Iremember the time when I was in
hospital, at the time when thingswere not going okay, she wouldn't be
there for me. She'll listen tome, and I'm telling you, I'm
alive because of people like Jim.She listened to me. She'll give you
(42:07):
know, time to find out.Sometimes I didn't want to answer her.
I didn't want to talk to anyone, but she'll force me to talk to
her. And now she has writtena book about us. Who thought to
write a book about us? Noone, but she came all over from
America to write about who are neglected? Grannis and I feel great and honored.
(42:30):
Even if I die today, I'vebeen I've written this somewhere and my
younger brother knows about this, Mydaughter knows about this, that Jim,
Catherine, Alison, and hither.I just want to say say thank you
because I may not have any othertime to say this. Remember that cancer
its own remission. It may comeback. But to Jim Daffy live Low,
(42:54):
it isn't absolutely continue to be anhonor. It almost seems like destiny,
doesn't it or some type of fatethat brought you two together and then
created this, this amazing story.And then to Becca to be so generous
with your like honesty and truthfulness andtelling your story and then getting this other
(43:15):
women to tell their stories. Geaneis just I mean, it's it's just
be all. Like I said,it's a it's a book beyond soccer.
Um. I'm so happy to haveyou guys here and spotlight it and um
and I just want to say,Gene, thanks for writing such an amazing
book. I think it changed me. It changed my perspective on the game.
I think anybody who picks it upwill be changed. I mean,
(43:36):
if you have a heart and asoul, you're going to be changed.
And Mama Becca, thank you forall you do in the world, just
telling your story like I said,and helping to tell the story of these
ladies. It's just so inspiring.Just thank you. Thank you both for
coming on the show and share itwith our ensuring it with our listeners.
We so appreciate both of you.Same Thie, She'll be so happy so
(44:02):
and sparring. I have to tellyou I broke into tears a few times
in that interview. If you can'tif you couldn't tell. Usually I try
to keep my cool, but it'svery you know, when you're I don't
know how to say this, likeand this was a zoom call obviously,
but when you're like in the presenceof somebody who just evokes I guess it
kind of like over the top humanitarianism, you know, type of spirit.
(44:28):
You know, it's just kind ofit kind of engulfs you a little bit,
and it's very overwhelming, you know, it overwhelmed me at times just
talking to them. And and alittle background story on that interview. I
was going to interview Jean on thebook, and Jeane, you know,
and I were corresponding the email andwe were trying to get our schedules together.
(44:49):
And then one day Jeane emailed meand she says, You're not going
to believe this, but Becca mightbe come into town. Do you want
to hold off in the interview untilshe comes in We're trying to get her
visa proved and all of stuff.And I was like, yes, yes,
yes, I'll wait because obviously theywere in Massachusetts, Simon California.
So I waited a few days andthen I got another email from Geene and
(45:10):
she's like, yes, she's coming. I'm like, let's do it.
Let's set up the interview asap,before she changes her mind, before your
schedules get too crazy. And itwas just like kismet, right, it
just all came together. And tohave them both on the show, I
mean really, you heard me sayI was. I felt pretty lucky.
I feel lucky for all of usbecause I don't know when that's going to
(45:30):
happen again, you know, orwhen that will happen again to where they're
in the same room. You know. I took like a screenshot at them,
I shared on Instagram. I mighthave already shared it by the time
you listen to this, but youknow, and they were just they're just
so close. It's an unlikely friendship, right, this soccer mom from Boston
area and then this other mom overthe other side of the world and in
(45:52):
South Africa living in a very differentlife and struggling with cancer and raising her
family and you know, in grandisand things, and and on top of
it, building houses for you know, the more underprivileged than she herself was.
And so they they met, andthe book tells the story and it's
just so unlikely, but their bondis so tight and you could really see
(46:15):
it, you know, when they'resitting next to each other in the same
room and Becca's got her arm aroundJean and Jean just beaming, trying to
hold back tears. And I mean, it's just it's palpable, you know,
even even on a zoom call.I'm hoping, even as in an
audio interview like this, that itresonates, you know, through your headphones,
(46:35):
that you were able to hear thatthat closeness. And and they are
two very determined women to take thistheme called soccer this thing right, it's
like, what do you do kicka ball around the grass or the dirt
or wherever you or the street whereever you kick in the ball, and
turn it into something positive for yourhealth, for your physical health, for
your mental health, for the maybeyour longevity, you know, and how
(46:59):
long you live because you're out there, you're getting exercise. More than that,
you're laughing, right, and thenyou're doing good for the community.
You're raising money, and we wantto help them raise money too. And
you heard Becca and Jane talk aboutthe go fund me and we have that
link on our show notes. Andof course I'll be sharing that on social
as well, so so there's there'sno excuse not to click that link and
(47:21):
try to give them a helping hand. And and you know, if you
can't give monetarily, you know,you can always give your time and your
your voice or whatever you have togive. They are not picky when it
comes to people who want to helpthe soccer grannies. And it's so needed.
And you know, there's, likeI said in the beginning, like
there's such an emphasis on youth rightnow, especially in the pro in the
(47:44):
pro ranks, but I think itkind of trickles down, you know,
into our society and you know,if you're a soccer mom or you're shuffling
your kids back and forth, youknow it, kick the ball around with
them. You know, you don'thave to be on a league. It's
nice to be in a rec league. And there's plenty of adult rec leagues.
I'm sure if you go on Googleand google soccer rec leagues for women
over forty or something like that,I'm sure you'll find a ton of them.
(48:07):
And maybe that's something that you mighttry, you know, and maybe
you have your you know, startyour own soccer Grannies, you know,
and be in the soccer Grannies WorldCup, you never know, because the
dreams are limitless. And I'm tellingyou, like just listening to that interview
and talking to Jean and beccas likeit's almost like your limits just fall away.
(48:27):
There are no limits, right,there's no limits to how how long
you're gonna play, how long you'regoing to enjoy the game. You know,
all the things that you can do, whether it's in soccer, I
mean you her Geane, whether it'ssoccer or writing a book. She never
wrote a book before, but shethat this story was inspiring to her.
She found something that was totally inspiringto her and needed that voice and she
(48:50):
found that and that was a purposefor her, and she wrote this incredible
book. And I have a feelingthat the story isn't done yet. It's
not done yet. I feel there'sanother book in Jean somewhere down the line,
and I can't wait to hear fromher. Well, so, what
a great interview. I'm so happy. Thank you, Thank you to Jean
Duffy and Mama Becca and son wesee for coming on the show, taking
(49:13):
time out of their busy schedule,and I mean they're busy schedule because I
know that they packed a lot ofthings in to Becca stay and just appreciate
them so much on so many levels. So thank you for coming on and
sharing the story. And like Isaid, you know, maybe you get
some mother's soccer granny's on. Ithink it's really cool to hear their stories
and makes you see things differently.And I'm telling you like my eight year
(49:36):
old niece, she was enthralled withthis story as I was telling her about
it, and it touched her somuch and now she's like a Becca fan.
Right. What do you think aboutwhen you think about aging? Do
you think about sitting under a treewatching the clouds go by, sitting on
your front porch with a glass oflemonade and in a rocking chair. Or
(50:00):
do you think about uncertainty, theunknown? What's going to happen to me?
Where am I going to live?How am I going to take care
of myself? All these things arevery common as we age, as we
get older, and you don't reallystart to think about that until you reach
a certain age. Maybe it isin your golden years, so they say,
or maybe it is after you've retired. Maybe you're starting to feel a
(50:20):
little achy, right, Like Beccasaid, you're filling that weight on your
shoulders or backs hurting you, yourlegs hurting you. Get out there,
Get out and take a walk,get some fresh air, you know,
if you want to kick a ball, And like Jeans said, it's never
too late to do something different.It may not be kicking a ball,
but it might be maybe writing abook, or writing a blog, or
planning a tree, or we arebuilding a house. It could be all
(50:45):
kinds of things. We never knowuntil we try. But there's always something
right, because there's more to lifethan just sitting around waiting to die.
I mean, that's kind of dark, but that's how Becca put it right,
waiting for death to come along.We're more than that. We're bigger
than that, and we're more creativethan that, and it could very well
change our lives. Take a pageout of the Soccer Grannies book literally and
(51:09):
figuratively, take a page out ofwhat they're doing. An amazing story of
the Soccer Grannies inspiring. I'll neverforget it changing my life, and I
know it will change ours too.And as we reach the eve of Women's
World Cup twenty twenty three. Whenwe watch our favorite players play, Yeah,
they're in the prime of their life, many of them, right,
(51:30):
they're in their twenties, early twenties, mid twenties, early thirties, and
they're living life. They're living thedream. Take something from them too,
Take an inspiration from them, becausethey were little girls once dreaming and doing
something incredible, and they're doing iton the biggest stage in the world,
from countries all over the world,from different circumstances. Like I always say,
(51:52):
there's not one path to the bigtime, and there's not one path
to what you want to do.Either. Soccer could be a vehicle or
it could just be something that inspiresyou. Either way, we take the
journey together and the joy comes withsharing those stories. I really hope that
you enjoyed episode two hundred and nineteenof Women's World Football Show. I would
(52:15):
love to hear your thoughts on myexclusive interview with Gene Duffy and Becca and
Swanweeze. Feel free to email meat Patty at wwfshow dot com. I
read all the emails and do mybest reply in a timeling manner. If
you did enjoy this episode, subscribenow on Apple Podcasts Spotify, iHeartRadio app,
Google Play, tuned in, castbox, spreaker, Stitcher, wwfshow
(52:37):
dot com, or wherever you're listeningto this right now. And if you
really really enjoy listening to Women's WorldFootball Show, one of the best ways
you can show your appreciation is togive us a five star rainy and leave
a review wherever you listen. Ialways love to know your thoughts and reviews
are the best ways for others tofind the show. Also, another way
to help grow the show and growthis beautiful game that we love is to
(52:58):
tell your friends and family about Women'sWorld Football Show. If you're listening on
a mobile device, swipe over thecover art and you'll find episode notes,
including some details you may have missed. For relative links from this episode,
visit our show notes on wwfshow dotcom. Connect with us on Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram at WWF Show, and follow me on Twitter at Patti
(53:19):
Labella. Twelve. Women's World FootballShow is hosted, written, edited,
and produced by Patty Labella. That'sMe. Additional assistance for this episode by
Gene Duffy and thank you, especiallyyou for joining me on this exciting journey
through women's football. Stay strong,stay mindful, keep it up in your
heart, and we'll see you allnext time.
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