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CONCACAF and the Barbados Football Association (BFA) this month launched the community-centric ‘Bigger Game’ program at Barbados’ Wildey Turf – bringing the Bigger Game launch among CONCACAF Member Associations to a close for the remainder of the year. The initiative promotes women in sports by organizing football festivals specifically designed for girls and conducting comprehensive coaching workshops, with the aim of increasing enthusiasm for the 2024 W Gold Cup.
The event kickstarted with a Coaches Education Workshop which garnered participation from a total of 28 coaches consisting of female coaches, women’s national team players, and male coaches who specialize in coaching in women’s football. This was followed by an exclusive girls youth football festival, which attracted over 100 children from neighboring schools. A hands-on opportunity, the festival allowed coaches to implement their freshly-acquired insights into action on the field. The event wrapped up with a special equipment donation and presentation.
CONCACAF dignitaries, General Secretary, Philippe Moggio and Chief Football Development Officer, Jason Roberts, were present during the festival and at the equipment handover ceremony.
During his address, Moggio underscored the present-day relevance of providing access to football for young people in the CONCACAF region. “It is fantastic to see Bigger Game in action and to witness first-hand, here in Barbados, some of the ways it is harnessing the power and popularity of football to create opportunities for young people. Our 41 member federations are united by a passion for the game, and it is part of our core mission to provide access for young people to play and participate, and to provide opportunities for children across the region to develop a passion for football,” said General Secretary Moggio. “To see so many girls and women participating in these programs here in Barbados highlights the ongoing growth of the women’s game in our region, and is something we will continue to cultivate and grow through our CONCACAF W strategy,” added Moggio.
Chief Football Development Officer, Jason Roberts emphasized the transformative power of football. “Football transcends the field—it shapes communities and alters destinies. The Bigger Game initiative reiterates the profound influence of football on societal growth and progress.”
BFA’s General Secretary, Amanda James, spoke at length about life skills as an important part of the social development of young girls. “This initiative from CONCACAF is not all about on the pitch but also off the pitch. These girls are learning a lot of life skills through football.”
BFA’s President, Randy Harris, urged the significance of grassroots-level investment in football. “Because of the social problem among our young people, this is a great idea to have at this time. I think that working with these young women for football development and their social development is a very positive thing. We encourage all females to play the game of football – from the youngest of the young to as old as they can play.” said Harris.
The Bigger Game launch in Barbados follows the preceding launch in Costa Rica that took place in early October. In a similar fashion, the coaching education workshop, the football festival for girls, and the play activity session on the field comprised the bulk of the program. An equipment giveaway marked the conclusion of the launch activities and the overall Bigger Game initiation within the region for 2023.
