DRIVING FORCE

Lauren Duncan has been a driving force behind the JVW League and along with Janine van Wyk, has orchestrated the tremendous growth in the platform. She doubles up that position with her role as team manager for the SA Under-20 side, and was also instrumental in the formation of Sasol League club JVW FC. “We have seen a positive impact in the amount of girls that now have the opportunity to play football while still at school, where before certain schools did not offer the sport,” Duncan tells KICK OFF. “The JVW Schools League has changed the lives of girls by providing an environment for girls to pursue their careers in the sport. Our aim is to grow the league nationally, enabling girls in other provinces to gain the same opportunity. The league is also used as a platform for talent identification as most don’t play at club level. “The biggest challenge was and still is lack of sponsorship to provide these schools with the necessary equipment and attire. The league was formed as a way for Janine to give back to girls at school level and to provide a competitive environment for girls to pursue their dreams and play football whilst still at school.” The league does not have a sponsor, but has found some support within local government. “We have received support from the Ekurhuleni Sports and Recreation Department, who assist us in the JVW Awards and Play-offs. Without their help we would not have been able to award our players at the end of the year. They have been a big part of our success since 2013 and continue to work with us,” Duncan says. “Our ultimate dream is to be able to offer and afford every girl player an opportunity to participate in our league no matter where they are located.”