Dozens of females gathered on Greenland Playfield on Saturday May 23, 2015, to participate in the inaugural CONCACAF Women’s Football Day hosted by the BVI Football Association (BVIFA). Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Girls enjoyed all sorts of football activities, including games and skills challenges. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Persons trying the sport were also encouraged to 'give it a go' and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Christine 'CJ' Jackson was Open Girls Shooting Champion. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

All the age group Challenge Winners show off their awards, key rings and new footballs. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

This initiative, which was presented at the CONCACAF “Let’s Develop Women’s Football” seminar held in October 2014 in Philadelphia, aimed to unite all 41 Member Associations to simultaneously celebrate women’s football throughout the region.

“I’m happy to see so many young girls and ladies here today,” commented BVIFA Executive, Shereen Flax-Charles, who is responsible for women’s football. “The event is geared to promote and develop women’s football and looking at today’s turn out, we have much to look forward to.”

The participants, after completing registration forms, were then split into age groups to experience different aspects of the game, from playing games to competing in various skill challenges, including dribbling, shooting, juggling and passing.

Challenge winners

In the 6-8 Group, Kirsha Nisbett won the Passing Challenge and the Juggling Contest, whilst Tezaria and Mykah shared Shooting honours.

In the 9- 12 Category, J’Nya Demming was Passing Champion, Javiola Hodge Best Juggler and Fastest Ball Controller, whilst Demming also won the Shooting contest.

Laresha Martin won the 13-15 bracket for Juggling, Kayla Bolus won the Speed Challenge and Martin also shared the Shooting Challenge with Lilly Pierce.

In the Open Age Group, Christine Jackson was top Juggler, Shooter and Passer, while Yasmin Ruffell-Smith was Speed Queen.

“This Event also marks the beginning of the BVIFA’s Summer of Soccer,” commented Flax Charles. “Next week we have the Women’s World Cup League for 13 year olds upwards. It will be held every Sunday for the next four weeks and even if you have never played the game before, it will be a great way to get involved.”

There is also a Grassroots Festival and Summer Camp to be held on Tortola and the Sister Islands and National Squad Training for all age groups, both on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

Opportunities in football

“Football is a great way to keep fit and also provides many opportunities for scholarships. We have already sent many kids away,” said Flax Charles, “And the FA will continue to do so as well as send people to Summer Camps and provide information to all who may not want to play or have finished playing, but want to be a coach, a referee, or just volunteer to help on the various sub committees.”

Next up is the Women’s World Cup League, which sees teams representing those who are taking part in the Women’s World Cup being held in Canada in June.

Interested female players are invited to the Althea Scatliffe School ground on Sunday May 31, 2015 to see if they can achieve a dream of playing for “England”, “France”, “Japan” or even the “BVI”.