Opportunity for girls to shine on and off the pitch
Joey Ruiters, playing for the Oasis Foundation in the Fundación LaLiga, Mzansi Equality League.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Another chapter in the Fundación LaLiga, Mzansi Equality League’s youth development continues on Saturday, following the weekend's opening round of the six-week tournament at the Fives Futbol courts at Century City. The tournament aims to provide young girls an opportunity to develop leadership skills and a chance to showcase their talent on the pitch.
Joey Ruiters, playing for the Schaapkraal-based Oasis Foundation, a spirited Grade 11 learner from Zeekoevlei High School, in Lotus River, was among the excited participants in this year’s opening round of matches, where she played a leading role in her beloved Oasis Foundation side's success.
Her passion for football has seen her develop into one of the senior players since she joined the Oasis six years ago. She is also one of the beneficiaries of the Fundación’s involvement tournament for girls’ teams taking part in the under-16 division.
Aintzane Encinas - LALIGA International Ambassador and a former Real Sociedad women's footballer, Cliffie Martinus, head of Oasis, NGO, Paul Dreisbach of LALIGA South Africa. and Joey Ruiters share a light moment during Saturday's opening round of a six-week tournament, at Fives Futbol, in Century City
Image: Mark Ward
“This is about giving girls like me the confidence to lead, to speak up, and to believe that we belong in football. I come from an area where gangsterism is rife, but through my involvement with the Oasis organisation, I have gained some valuable experience and confidence,” she said.
The tournament is designed to combine sport with social development, focusing on equality, leadership, and teamwork. Each week, players will not only compete in matches but also participate in leadership workshops and community-building sessions led by coaches and mentors.
Cliffie Martinus, head of Oasis, said initiatives like these are crucial in communities where opportunities for young women remain limited.
“The Mzansi Equality League creates a safe and structured environment where girls can dream bigger. It's not just about producing future football stars. It’s about producing confident, capable leaders for the future. I am also delighted that we have been asked to get more communities involved,” said Martinus.
The Fundación have expressed their commitment to ensuring the league becomes a sustainable platform for social change. “Our goal is to build equality through football,” said Paul Dreisbach of LaLiga South Africa
“By supporting grassroots initiatives, we help empower the next generation to transform their communities,” he said.