Thanks to the Grenada Football Association's long-term vision, women's football continues to grow on the island. (Photo courtesy of the Grenada Football Association)
SAINT GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Grenada Football Association’s effort to promote football on the island as part of its legacy program is taking another important step thanks the establishment of “WE CARE,” which is aiming to spread the love of football during the Christmas season.
Spearheaded by Malaika Church, a former GFA Acting General Secretary and current CONCACAF Women’s Leadership member, the initiative is intended to introduce a sense of “giving-back” among the national women’s teams.
“We want our girls to understand the importance of serving the community,” said Church. “We, as administrators of the sports, must look at developing our players on and off the field and this is one avenue we are working on.”
In order to engage participation and support, the GFA is meeting with stakeholders to present its two-year strategic plan and new mission, entering into a substantial dialogue on topics such as women’s football, player development and individual growth.
The acronym “WE CARE” stands for Women, Everywhere Changing Attitudes, Rewarding Excellence speaks to the image that the GFA aspires for its players.
“We can talk about giving, but until you actually experience it, you never truly understand the joy it brings and the happiness that is felt,” Church explained.
Underscoring this commitment, on Saturday, players from the U15 and U17 squads visited three Children’s Homes for a fun day of football activities.
“It’s great when corporate Grenada sees the value of such an activity,” stressed Sherry-Ann Hector, Chairwoman of the GFA Women’s Committee, expressing thanks to the various sponsors that partnered with the Association. “We hope to make this Christmas a memorable one for the Children’s Homes, the players along with the committee are excited in spreading the love of football this weekend.”
Hector asserted that such activities will provide a benefit to both the players and associations in the near future, saying: “We have heard the cry coming from potential partners and hence the reason we are responding favorably.”
The GFA will also embark on a robust women’s development program in 2017 by working closely with the Grenada Union of Teachers and the Secondary Schools Games Teachers Association.
