The development of women football in Dominica got a significant boost recently when 12 secondary schools were given football kits and equipment under an initiative by the Dominica Football Association (DFA) and FIFA.
The equipment was presented to the schools recently at the DFA’s office under the “Win with CONCACAF Programme” and the purpose of the donations is to help develop girls’ football in these institutions.
Coach of the senior men’s national team, Kurt Hector, said since the programme began in January, he has been very pleased with the way it has been going. “Women have played a pivotal role in the development of football, not only in Dominica but in the region and I’m looking forward to working with the various schools,” he said.
President of the DFA Glen Etienne said it was a pleasure for him to be associated with such a programme pointing out that it’s a clear manifestation of the commitment to football by the DFA and FIFA.
“The last two years has seen an improvement in women’s football on the island and it speaks of a job well done so far by the schools and coaches. The DFA will continue on its drive to improve women’s football. The equipment will surely enhance the quality of the game since it’s a catalyst and a driving force,” Etienne stated.
He cautioned the coaches not be complacent and to ensure that the equipment given is not left in a “cupboard”.
“No reason why training sessions should not be held … the package cost a tidy sum and so the equipment must be put into good use and must not be placed away in a cupboard. It’s a new chapter and the women must use it wisely,” the DFA boss warned.
Coaches Joel Hamilton of the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) and Enzinga Darroux of the Pierre Charles Secondary School said they were happy to receive the equipment and pledged to put it to good use. “There is a new vigour and interest in women’s football and we will do our best to ride on that wave,” the coaches stated.
The equipment includes balls, shoes, pumps, among other things and the entire programme which has a training component costs $140,000.
I would like to conguatulate the FA on this move. The two pence question is: Are there qualified football coaches in these schools?
sports needs to be taken alot more seriously in Dominica if we ever hope to compete and win internationally in Dominica. Ive watched our females play… and they have a very long way to go. Understand that internationally, alot of the women’s teams pla better than our men’s teams here… food for thought.
and once again the young men will be sidelined
boy i hope they encourage the young ones,not just tell them that.they need multiple support.
anyway good luck to the young ladies,and the young men too.
This new president is really making a difference. 140k for women football after just a few months as president, Good job Glen, We expect much more in the future.
Thats a very good initiative by the DFA. More investment is needed like this for the football to improve. Next investment into football needs to come from the Private sector as well as the Government. Lets all work together to bring up the standard of dominica football. Make the stadium available for more football matches to be played. Even if is just the Premier league that is being played there. When you have that central area for football the standard of the national team improves right away because when they play the foreign teams in the Stadium they will be playing on a ground that they are used to playing on. Right now national teams train at Bath Estate and play their home games at the Stadium. I am calling on the government to make the stadium available to football the same way they make it available to cricket. This will bring back the fans to the football. Remember winsor park was the main football grounds that was filled with fans every week. now we have a cricket stadium there in the hope of 1 game from West Indies a year. Change that mentality and allow more football to be played there.
Great initiative! Go out and do tor thing ladies , young women and girls.