CONCACAF women's football day
CONCACAF Women’s Football Day (WFD) was celebrated on May 21st, 2016 with all 41 Member Associations participating in the day’s activities, the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) being no exception.
As the sun beamed every so brightly and provided the perfect backdrop for the day’s event, approximately forty-two U7, U9 and U15 girls full of energy filled the Academy as they registered and proudly wore the WFD t-shirts. The sound of the CONCACAF’s official anthem brought everyone to attention as the parade of girls together with the Turks & Caicos Islands National Flag and the CONCACAF flag headed out to the lush grass pitch. Christma Jean Louis, TCIFA’s National Team Player and Ambassador for FIFA Live Your Goals campaign commanded everyone’s attention as she proudly belted out the National Song of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Spectators were obviously impressed as resounding round of applause could be heard at the end of the song.
Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Anya Williams brought remarks and noted that the TCIFA has been one of the fastest growing organisations within the Turks & Caicos Islands, as North/Middle Caicos and Grand Turk has now come on stream. “Thank you for doing your part in the community to involve the youth and getting them involved in a very positive programme,” stated Mrs. Williams as she extended her well wishes to the TCIFA and the young participants.
CONCACAF’s newly elected Female Member to the FIFA Council and President of the TCIFA, Sonia Bien-Aime was obviously elated to see the young participants she noted that TCIFA has now participated and partnered with CONCACAF in the WFD activities for a second consecutive year. “It is a true example of you the players, you the parents and volunteers showing that we are serious about developing and raising the profile of women’s football in our region.” Ms. Bien-Aime expressed her gratitude to all and declared the event open.
The young female participants engaged in a 5 -v- 5 tournament. Given the diverse age group this allowed the older girls to act as a player-buddy to the younger participants. The hunger to score goals was evident as everyone focused on moving forward and taking their shot at goal. The tournament ended with awards of WFD medals presented to the respective teams.
“Last year saw participation from the South Caicos Academy and we are so happy to have our newest addition join us today, the North/Middle Caicos Academy. It is evident that female participation around the Turks & Caicos Islands is increasing. This is one of our goals and we will endeavour to sustain this,” stated Candace Hanchell, Executive Director responsible for Women’s Football.