Female Football makes return as new Season gets Underway
Football action returned to the Greenland’s Playing Field on Sunday with four games including the opening of a Women’s competition for the first time since 2012.
Following a brief Opening Ceremony to mark the return of Women’s competitive action attended by Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President, Mrs. Shereen Flax Charles, BVIFA Women’s Committee Chair and the Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), the Ballstars and new team, the Avengers, battled to a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation time.
A penalty shootout ensued with Yasmin Ruffell- Smith, Murcella Gordon, Jehenell Joseph and Kia Foreman all scoring from the spot for the Ballstars. Chandni Wattley made the all important save from Avengers player, Laverne Fahie to secure the win after Makayda Fahie, Brittany Peters and Kelienne Smith were all successful.
The second game, between the Panthers and Ballstars also remained goalless at full time, but again the Ballstars remained cool under pressure to win the shootout 3-2. Gordon, Lareisha Martin and Foreman all scored for the Ballstars, before a string of fine saves and blocks restricted the Panthers to just two successful spot kicks.
“I can’t say how happy the BVIFA is to see the Ladies League starting again,” commented Bickerton. “We put a lot of effort into Festivals and such a year or so ago, but it seemed to die away. Now with a revitalized Women’s Committee it’s up and running,” he said.
Bickerton also noted that the BVIFA is committed to sending teams away. “Opportunities are open to all of the Ladies and if we have enough numbers and talent we will enter Competitions, just like the recent U15 trip to Cayman. We will continue to invest and support the Ladies playing Football,” he said.
Flax Charles addressed the Ladies on how important it was for the Ladies to keep playing and looking to improve their skills.
“Having just got back from a CONCACAF Seminar called Lets Develop Women’s Football I have had my eyes opened to all the possibilities that exist for you in Football. The Conference was themed “It’s Our Time” and we the BVIFA intend to make sure it rings true. One of the things I learned was, yes we need players, but also Coaches, Referees and Volunteers. We are committed and we will be promoting Women’s Football and I hope you won’t get tired of all the events we ask you to be involved in: Futsal, Beach Soccer and other Leagues,” she said.
Hon Marlon A. Penn, for whom both Nine A side Competitions are named for was equally as happy to see the Games taking place. “In this, your 40th Anniversary, I want to congratulate the Organisers for putting on this League. From humble beginnings all those years ago to where we are now is a tremendous achievement and with the new plans for a Stadium I see East End being the Mecca of Football in the Territory. I’m looking forward to watching games as the tournament unfolds and also to see how seriously you take the sport with team work, hard work and discipline,” he said.
The Men’s League opened with a comfortable 2-0 win for the Ballstars over One Love with second half goals from Joel Fahie and Riaul Roberts ensuring all 3 points for the youngsters over last season’s Premier League Runners Up.
The Islanders then got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3-1 win against the Wolues. Rohan Lennon opened the scoring in the first half before Fitzroy Daley and Kevon Smith made it 3-0. Mark Gardner scored a late consolation goal for the Wolues.
Next Sunday the Women’s League gets properly underway with the U15 National Team taking on the Ballstars at 4pm and then the Panthers facing the Avengers at 5pm.
In the Men’s competition the Rebels face Old Madrid at 6pm and action concludes with Panthers against VG United.
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