In the heart of South African women's football, only a few names resonate as strongly as Janine Van Wyk's. As the founder of JVW Football Club and a former captain of the South African Women's National team, Janine has been a beacon of resilience and passion for the sport.
Recently, we sat down with her to discuss the pressing challenges JVW FC faces, the state of women's football in South Africa, and the exciting fundraising initiatives on the horizon. One of the most pressing topics in our conversation was the major challenges JVW FC is currently facing in terms of securing sponsorship and funding.
Janine highlighted that the club’s immediate financial needs are multifaceted, she stated that: “JVW FC is currently facing significant challenges in securing consistent and substantial sponsorship and funding," she said. “Our immediate financial needs include covering operational costs such as player salaries, travel expenses for away games, and maintenance of training facilities.”
When asked about how the state of women’s football in South Africa compares to other countries where she has played, Janine emphasised that more work needs to be done to improve the circumstances affecting the game. “The state of women’s football in South Africa still lags behind many other countries in terms of infrastructure and support.”
“In countries where I have played, there is often more substantial investment in women's football, better facilities, and greater media coverage. This leads to a more robust development pipeline and higher overall standards. In South Africa, we need more dedicated facilities, better funding for youth development programs, and stronger support from both the public and private sectors to reach the same level.”
Despite these challenges, the former Banyana Banyana skipper's determination remains unshaken. She revealed that her determination to overcome the financial hurdles facing JVW FC is a testament to her commitment to women’s football in South Africa. “My motivation comes from a deep passion for the game and a commitment to empowering the next generation of female athletes. Seeing the growth and progress of our players, despite the challenges, inspires me to keep pushing forward. My advice to other women looking to start their own sports clubs is to stay resilient, build a strong network of supporters, and continuously advocate for your club. Persistence and a clear vision are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.”
The Blue Diamonds currently occupy the 4th position in South African's women's top flight competition, they've played 18 games and lost only two in their 2024 campaign (W 9 D 7 L 2). Janine’s unwavering commitment to JVW FC and women's football is truly inspiring. Despite the myriad of challenges, her vision for the club and the sport remains hopeful and determined. “We have several fundraising initiatives in the pipeline, including a community golf Day, a charity auction, and a crowdfunding campaign. These events aim to raise funds for our operational costs and youth development programs. We encourage everyone in the community to participate and support these initiatives to help us achieve our goals.”
“Individuals and businesses interested in supporting or sponsoring JVW FC can reach out to us via our official website JVW FC website and follow us on social platforms [Instagram: jvwgirlsfootball. Twitter: @JVWGirlsFootball] where they can find detailed information about sponsorship packages and contact details. We are always open to discussing potential partnerships and collaborations that align with our vision and values.”
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