The Anguilla Football Association, like all other major sport organizations, has had to make some adjustments during an unprecedented time and the worldwide Covid19 pandemic. Getting back to the game safely has been a consideration for the Executive Board, who has not only met fervently to discuss plans but sought the advice of the medical professionals on island to determine the appropriate steps. The protocol taken to get players back on the field to continue building on a very important plan for the Football Association was not without scrutiny.
This Association has made important strides to develop the game, through initiating the Anguilla Football League, empowering clubs, and a heightened sense of professionalism that can be seen in its players. Time spent away from the field by players meant that they had to sharpen their skills at home and away from teammates. For a team sport this was not the most ideal situation. However, we saw just how much of an impact small changes and the call for accountability and increased standards of operations from member associations (existing clubs) of the Football Association, has had on teams.
This past Sunday, 12th July 2020, was the biggest Finals game in the history of Anguilla football. Dubbed “Championship Sunday”, it not only symbolized a victory for the winning team, Roaring Lions FC, but was the culmination of what seemed to be a long return to the field of play for many.
The double header game day brought out many fans and first-time spectators who filled the stands well into the 2nd half of the first game between Enforcers FC and Kicks United FC playing for Third place. The result of that game was 3 -1, with Kicks United FC claiming that win. In attendance also were the newly elected ministers of government, who were excited to enjoy the sport-filled evening at the Raymond E.G. Guishard Technical Centre.
At the start of the Final game between the reigning Lions FC and Docs United FC – a longstanding team that spent 15 years building to gain a spot in the Championship Final – finding an empty seat at the Stadium became a very hard task for some. The anticipation of the game result was one that seemed to keep attendees on the edge of their seats, but it appeared also that they were expecting even more and were not at all eager to leave once the results had been received. This very social setting was one that Anguillians could be proud of! This was witnessed in moments of strength, grit and ultimate triumph not only for the Champions, Roaring Lions FC who won a powerful 3-0 victory over the Docs United, but for the public spectators who had longed for some activity and had come from far and wide to celebrate in a way the signaled they were ready for change and ready to get back to the things they loved.
Football is Anguilla’s beloved sport and it has seen its challenges in maintaining the confidence of fans and players throughout the years. The improved management of the game, even as we continue to face the challenges of Covid19 and its effects on the island’s economy, is one that the Anguilla Football Association is striving towards. The President, Mr. Girdon Connor, and his Executive Committee have expressed thanks to everyone involved – fans, participating teams, technical staff, the touchline assistance team, the food and beverage team and the Finals organizing committee.
Even after a fast paced game, the energy continued to build on Sunday night and a display of fireworks sealed the end of celebrations. Association teams and their players, however, have started to look at this as the beginning of a new game! And rightfully so, as there is continued hope for excellence in local football and games have been extended into 2 leagues, which see a 2-tier system; Tier 1(teams ranked 1-5) playing in a Champions League and Tier 2(teams ranked 6-10) playing in a Development League. Games begin on Thursday July 16th, 2020 at 6:00pm. The Women’s Football season has also started, and the first game was played on Wednesday, 15th July. The Women’s League, sponsored by Sunset Homes and Tranquility Beach, is also anticipated to be very intense and all are invited to attend the games.
Schedules are made available on the Associations Facebook page, www.facebook.com/illaFootballAssociation/. Games are also live streamed via YouTube Channel Ai-Live.
- Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper)
