The CONCACAF World Women’s Day event was held at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Going through their paces at the CONCACAF World Women’s Day event at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The CONCACAF World Women’s Day event was hailed a success. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

3 v 3 and 5 v 5 games also took place with the older groups and the whole day was a great testament to the development and continued success of women’s football in the territory and around the region. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Almost 50 girls of various ages and abilities turned out for the celebration, including a large group from Virgin Gorda. All were put through dribbling and shooting drills and were given the opportunity to win prizes with their new found skills.

3 v 3 and 5 v 5 games also took place with the older groups and the whole day was a great testament to the development and continued success of women’s football in the territory and around the region.

BVIFA President Andy Bickerton was on hand to present the awards. “All 41 countries within CONCACAF had a women’s day and the FA has always supported women’s football. We at the FA are very pleased with the turn out at the A.O. Shirley Ground today with 4 age groups, U7’s, U9’s, U15’s as well as Open and to see those 5 – 6 year olds, especially, out there enjoying themselves was wonderful.”

Bickerton also noted that the world governing body for football, FIFA, has just appointed a female General Secretary, showing their commitment to increasing women’s involvement in the sport.

CONCACAF elected a female representative to a FIFA Committee in Sonya Bien-Aime and in fact the BVIFA has had developing the women’s game high on the agenda since Bickerton became President.

Sharlene Pond, who heads up the new Women’s Committee at the BVIFA, said: “We had similar numbers, today, as last year, but also saw a good many new faces who will be new players to the game. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and some wanted to carry on playing even after we had the awards ceremony.”