Friday 13th July marked the closing of the 2012 Anguilla Female Football League. Various players and supporters gathered at the Anguilla Football Association (AFA) stadium conference room for the closing and awards ceremony. The football clubs participating in this year’s tournament were the Lil’ Soldiers, Shining Stars, Gazelles, Superstars and De Youngsters.
Gold medals and a cheque for EC$2688.20 were awarded to the Superstars for winning the tournament. The Superstars also captured the 2012 Soccerama, Knockout and Backyard Olympic titles which were held as pre-league activities.
Finishing the season in second place were the Shining Stars followed by the Lil’ Soldiers in third. Both clubs also received monetary awards and medals for their achievements. And individual awards were distributed that ranged from best skills and abilities to discipline and attitude on the field.
Other remarks at the ceremony came from Female Development Officer, Mr. Colin Johnson and AFA President, Mr. Raymond Guishard. Congratulatory remarks were delivered on behalf of the sponsors: by Mr. Watson Hodge for the Caribbean Commerical Bank (CCB) and Mr. Alkins Rogers for the Anguilla Social Security Board.
In his remarks, Mr. Johnson mentioned that the standard of football this season was poor when compared to others. He noted that the late preparations by the various clubs, player injuries and the sidelining of senior players due to pregnancies were the main reasons for the poor performances. He urged the players to plan their pregnancies not only for their well being, but must also take into consideration that the lack of active players can make it difficult to receive funding for their development. And he highlighted an area of concern where two games were forfeited in this year’s tournament. “I believe that we need to reach a stage in our club where we can have a solid number of players so that even with injuries, and the non-appearance of [some] players, we are able to play and sustain the league.”
Mr. Johnson emphasized how important it is for the players of each club to develop confidence within themselves, as players, and also within their club as this will ensure the sustainability of the Female League.
AFA President, Mr. Raymond Guishard, firstly expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for their support in getting the tournament started. Speaking generally of female football in Anguilla, he noted that the teams regularly win games, however they fail to win tournaments and it is his goal to ensure that the female teams begin to win tournaments.
Mr. Guishard mentioned that he will be a delegate at the upcoming FIFA U17 Female World Cup later this year, and even though an Anguillian team will not be accompanying him it is his hope that Anguilla will have a team represented in the World Cup in 2014.
(Article and Photos Courtesy Arthur D. Ward)
