The BVI Football Association Women’s Committee led by Mrs. Mary Phillip will be holding a fiesta of fun filled football for females to mark CONCACAF and International Women’s Day on Saturday March 6th, 2021 at the East End / Long Look venue.

All 41 members of the Confederation of North American and Caribbean Football Association will be participating in the event in their respective countries. On each previous occasion, the BVIFA has put the spotlight on efforts to create more opportunity for girls and women to play the game.

The Women’s Committee promises this year’s event will be an even more fun filled festival to further enhance their ongoing development programmes and regional participation at tournaments.

“The intention of this day is to foster a relationship with all women in the territory with the BVIFA and more so the game of soccer with the involvement of young girls and women, learning the game, getting fit, staying healthy and disciplined,” said Phillip.

Phillip also hopes the Women’s Day will foster the spirit of teamwork, improve skills, build confidence and show the girls there is a benefit to being involved in football that goes well beyond the field and which can lead to educational opportunities and even careers which perhaps once were only pipe dreams stating that it’s an opportunity to see “relationships created that lead to friendships and then Championships!”

Following the success of the recently concluded Women’s Futsal League – won by the Wolues FC with a team of girls who have been together since Primary School days highlighting Phillip’s vision – the BVIFA already has wasted no time in implementing much more competitive action for the girls, including a series of Tortola v Virgin Gorda matches, with a game played on Saturday, 27th February at the VG Recreation Ground and an U13 girls’ exhibition game, which showed a vast array of talent and plans to enter regional competition.

The CONCACAF Women’s Day begins at 10.00am on the field at the BVIFA’s new stadium venue in East End/Long Look and is open to all females. The Day will include games, skills’ challenges, entertainment, refreshments, and a special guest appearance from the Honorable Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles, a long-time advocate of empowering women in football and in life.

Source: VINO

The BVI Football Association (BVIFA) staged a remarkable CONCACAF Women’s Day Celebration on Saturday November 18, 2017 on the new Pitch at Long Look/East End, on the main island of Tortola.

The event was remarkable because not only did it come on the back of the devastating storms that smashed their way through the territory two months ago, but also despite the mass exodus of residents, including school aged girls, the numbers that turned out and braved the rains were well into the high 30’s.

“It’s nice to see all of you out here,” commented General Secretary of the BVIFA, Mrs Julianna Luke. “We have had some challenges, but the interest shown is a good sign.”

Mr Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman, on behalf of the acting Director, Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye, noted it was a historic day, as it was the first time the women’s event had used the new field. Greenaway also stated the enthusiasm was wonderful and the positive energy a great sign for the future.

BVIFA President Mr Andy Bickerton addressed the girls with further words of encouragement: “It is really good that you could all turn up and although we couldn’t get the girls from Anegada here, the numbers are better than we expected. The challenges after the hurricanes are well documented, but the idea today is to introduce more of you into football as there are so many opportunities, whether it be playing, coaching or being an official. Resources will be put into your game and it won’t be long until there is a Nations League throughout the Caribbean for Ladies.”

Bickerton also confirmed that the BVIFA was working with FIFA to quickly address the damage to the field and in a short time it would be back to fully functional.

There were also brief comments given by Lilly Pierce, a highly rated youth player. “I hope everyone has a good day and really enjoy themselves.”

Jackisha Rigobert, the most recent U15 Girls Captain, encouraged all the girls to do their best and take the opportunity to show off their skills and to keep on going regardless of situations.