When a bunch of GenZ&A young ladies tell you their reasons for joining a football club includes: “I wanted to do something active; I was tired of doom-scrolling social media; I wanted to contribute to my community; I wanted to be part of something positive in our community” – then you begin to see the future taking shape in the present.
I sat down with the Ravensmead AFC Ladies team this week to experience the, frankly, incredible and vibrant energy rising from the youth in our communities, who appear to be making conscious decisions to choose positive outcomes instead of emulating stereotypes of the past.
My meeting with the club was arranged by Club Life President Rubin Faulmann, who interestingly, featured in The Raven Report’s very first report on 1 February 2026. Thanks to you, our readers from all over the Cape, we’ve, just surpassed the 80 000 views milestone. Proof that our editorial position of only writing inspirational stories about our communities and leaving the negativity to the mainstream media, is supported by you, the reader. Dankie.
Ladies team coach AJ Fortuin says the interest from the community has been amazing. “There has been a global shift in women’s football from an appeal perspective. More media exposure, closer wage parity, and rising stars have had a definite knock-on effect.”
Junior Club Chairperson Randall Heynes adds that the uptake has been good: “We established this team in January this year by putting the word out on social media and in the community. By end of February, we had about 9 registered players, and it grew from there, to-date we have 29 registered ladies on the books and our aim is to create a B-team for next season.”
The club play in the Northern Suburbs Local Football Association (NSLFA) league, and do battle weekly with 7 other teams including derby rivals Trinitarians, Matroosfontein FC, Island Rovers, Kalksteenfontein, Bishop Lavis, Bellstar United and Belhar United.
“We ended the season in 7th place, and part of our stated objectives for next season is to end higher up on the table. But the good news is that we’re in the semi-finals (5 September 2026) of the NSLFA Super League Junior Knockout Cup,” says 18-year-old team captain Glendoleen September. Glen, as she prefers to be called, is the epitome of leadership, with a tangible aura of an on-field general who knows how to rally the troops to victory.
13-Year-old Tiara-Leigh Solomons, who plays centre-back alongside her captain, echoes coach AJ’s recognition of Glen’s natural leadership abilities. “She’s not shy to make her feelings understood on the pitch, especially when we stray from the game-plan. It’s been a tough debut season, but we’ve grown together as a team, and the fact that we’re still in the cup competition is extremely positive.”
20-year-old Jody Buys underlines the team spirit by sharing her reasons for joining the club. “I joined to be part of something positive in our community, and I am so proud to be part of the team, which has grown and attracted girls and ladies from all ages. For me, its about setting a positive example and inspiring young girls to be the best they can be.” Jody’s passion is palpable.
11-Year-old Skye Hattingh, who was the goalkeeper in the NSLFA boys U12 board team this year, chips in from the side, “I look forward to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and can’t wait for match-days on the weekend. The coaches and older players are creating a winning mentality and we are very focused on improving our league position next season.”
I tell them about SA National Women’s attacking midfielder from Delft, 17-year-old Zoë October, and Women’s Cricket sensation, 19-year-old Leeshay Walker, who lives down the road from where we’re meeting at Florida Park sports ground in Ravensmead. To emphasize the point of what they’re capable of, and why they need to be aware of their roles as inspiration to future generations, I pass my phone around with the article featuring Zoë in The Raven Report.
Their facial reactions is instantaneous, a quiet dawning of the future, what is possible, what they can achieve and how they can shift the mindsets and perceptions of their community.
Good luck to both teams.
Images supplied by Ravensmead Football Club, photos by Rubin Faulmann.
