With the dwindling interest and lack of women’s participation in the sport of football around the island, the Dominica Football Association has begun an extensive drive to rekindle the spirit and to get more “lady ballers” on the scene.
Recently, the sport’s governing body on the island, the DFA, launched its “Growing Women’s Football Program.” According to DFA officials, this program should serve as a catalyst to boost the game among women since women’s football is growing at an alarming rate all over the globe and Dominica should not be left behind.
“I am eternally pleased with the present thrust by the Dominica Football Association to spread the lovely game through the length and breadth of this country. We are indebted to the many persons including administrators, coaches, players, and fans who have contributed over the years to the development of the game among our female population.
“Today, we see an aggressive move that is unprecedented and one that has alerted our populace that women have their part to play in maintaining football as the number one sport on our beautiful island, Dominica,” according to Glen Etienne, the man at the helm of local football on the island.
The DFA boss further stated that his organization will go the extra mile and provide the resources necessary so as to develop and grow the sport.
“The DFA has utilized the resources and expertise available to it and will continue to provide greater opportunities for the many ladies who would venture into our circle of inspired players. This present administration has allowed record levels of investment in women’s football projects, and hopefully in the near future, looking to introduce new leagues and competitions as more funds are injected into our game.
“At the grassroots level, we will see more investment in projects dedicated to women’s football. We will see more youths being introduced to the game. There is also hope for the young adults who still have the energy and desire to play,” Etienne further stated.
Just earlier this year FIFA, the world’s governing body for football made available US$500 000 to the DFA, specifically for the development of women’s football.
As more funds are available to be injected in an effort to attract the females, Etienne is hopeful that this will serve as the impetus needed.
“It is our hope to see the number of female participants in the game soar upwards bridging the gap between male and female players. With this drive we will see more female clubs and an improved level of play, consequently changing the complexion of the sport for the better in our country. We look forward to the day when every club has teams for females in every age group, from primary school age to seniors,” he added with a sense of optimism.
To achieve its goals, the DFA has engaged the services of a few certified coaches. These coaches will be responsible for growing the game in many parts of the island, especially the rural communities.
A few weeks ago, the DFA staged a successful women’s football festival which attracted several female players.