Blaise showcases her soccer skills
The former Northlands Girls' High School pupil is making a name for herself on the freestyling scene.
THE 2010 World Cup may have put South African soccer on the world stage, but it also sparked a growing love for the sport. For Blaise Francois, the global event was a catalyst for her to develop her game. At just 18-years-old, the former Northlands Girls’ High School pupil is making waves on the local front. Not only does she play for the Shooting Stars Academy Barcelona, but she also plies her trade for Wolfpack in indoor soccer. The Redhill resident also coaches youngsters at Northlands Primary.
“I used to enjoy playing soccer with my cousins and I felt inspired when the world cup was hosted in SA. The soccer fever got me and I never looked back. Initially my mom couldn’t see why I loved soccer so much, but she saw what it’s meant to me and she is my rock and has supported all my ventures.
“I’d love to play soccer in the United States because they are one of the countries that has moulded female soccer into the global force it is today. I enjoy playing football here but there’s not much being done to develop the sport,” she said.
Blaise, who is studying to become a personal trainer, said she also wanted to challenge stereotypes associated with women and sports.
“I play soccer with boys and girls but in this journey I’ve wanted to challenge the stereotypes that girls or women can’t play soccer as well as men can. I’m proof that they can and that they can go even further,” she said.
She also recently featured on Game ChangR!, the YouTube soccer channel where she showcased a new aspect of her game, which she is developing, freestyle. Freestyle soccer is a combination of sport and art, and it’s all about being creative with a soccer ball and having fun.
“Freestyle can be considered the artistic side of soccer. It is a sport entirely in its own right. It’s a way of expressing yourself and each person develops their own style unique to themselves, and create tricks that reflect each person’s individuality. I’ve spent hours practicing tricks and when Game ChangR! approached me I was really happy to showcase my skills. I’m enjoying exploring that aspect and am focusing on developing my game,” she said.
While the freestyle community is separate from the soccer community, Blaise unique in that she straddles both sports and excels at them.
