The BVIFA Women’s Football League is slated for October 15, 2016. Photo: Provided

The new look Women’s Committee is spearheaded by Sharlene Pond (right). Photo: Provided

In an unprecedented show of support and determination to see women’s football take its rightful place as an equal to the men’s game, as well as the first sport of choice for girls across the Territory, the BVIFA Executive has given approval to the Women’s Committee plans for the upcoming 2016 season.

The new look Women’s Committee, spearheaded by Sharlene Pond, put the icing on the cake with its plans for a National Nine-a-Side two division League, at a recent meeting, with the introduction of a brand new “Fair Play” award called the CAPS Leadership Award.

“The new initiative will encourage all teams to help the BVIFA lift the profile of girls soccer, break down the image that football is for boys and also encourage more and more females to be a part of a disciplined, fun environment, designed to encourage empowerment, confidence and create opportunity to “Live Your Goals,” noted Ms Pond.

The CAPS Award will be presented to the team that incorporates Coaching Professionalism, covering conduct, image and organisation, ability, including creativity, technical skills, tactical awareness and fitness, punctuality and sportsmanship, entailing respect, fair play and team spirit.

Junior teams

The league, for the first time, will also have two divisions split across Senior’s and U15 Youth.

“To ensure we increase participation and give everyone a chance to play,” explained Pond. “Eeach of the established teams – Panthers, Ballstars, VG Utd and Avengers, will be responsible for a junior team as well.”

Coaches will be heading into schools shortly to attract new players, which will form a development structure for the Clubs and Pond is also hopeful of attracting the girls who train with the Manatees Club and John Riley.

Each Division will offer prize money and individual awards such as MVP, Golden Boots and Golden Gloves. The Senior Division will also have a semifinals and final, whilst the Youth Division will be decided purely on a points structure.

Additionally, confirmed Pond, the Youth division prize money will only be accessible to the winning clubs by presentation of their commitment plan towards a sustainable development process for the youths.

The Women’s National Nine-a-Side League kicks off on Saturday October 15, 2016 with an Opening Ceremony, followed by the Panthers playing the Ballstars at 6.30 P.M.

On Sunday October 16, 2016, the Junior Avengers will get action underway with a game against the Junior VG United team at 3:00 P.M.

Games will then take place every Saturday and Sunday inter meshed with the Men’s National League, with the venue for all being the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.