A large crowd of spectators and players alike were on hand for the official opening of the Anguilla Female Football League (AFFL) on Sunday, April 20 at 3:00 pm. Five teams lined the field at the James Ronald Webster Park for the opening ceremony chaired by Mr. Colin Johnson, a member of the AFFL Committee and the Director of the AFFL. Mr. Johnson made brief remarks in which he said to the athletes, “Play hard, play well and may the best team win.”

The teams await inspection

General Secretary AFA, Mr. Damien Hughes and the Director of Sports, Mr. Alkins Rogers also made remarks in which they praised FIFA for trying to jump start football all over the world. It was mentioned that FIFA gives $250,000 to each association annually and that 15% must be allocated to female football.
Mr. Rogers thanked Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) for its annual sponsorship and charged all the teams with the goal of building a support base so that the crowd of onlookers can continue to grow.

PRO, Ms. Cherecia Lewis of the CCB gave an address in which she spoke on how important the football league is to the Bank that has been the main sponsor since 2004. She also spoke about the importance of young people investing in their future by opening a savings account. After the vote of thanks, the teams were inspected and then sent to congregate around the goal in which the official opening occurred by way of young Carlia Johnson (5 yrs) kicking the ceremonial ball into the back of the net amidst cheers from fans and the players.

Carlia Johnson scores a ceremonial goal to kick off the season

The Knock-Out Tournament began shortly thereafter. Each match consisted of 10 minute halves. In the end, the Superstars FC came out on top. The five teams that make up the League are De Youngsters FC, last year’s champion the Lil’ Soldiers FC (NBA), Shining Stars FC (Joyce Kentish and Associates), Gazelles FC (Anguilla Definitive Villas), and Super Stars FC (Bryan Equipment). The previous day, Saturday, April 19, was full of fun and games with the “Backyard Olympics” competition in which all five teams participated in events such as tug o’ war, dribbling, relay, shooting, penalty kicks, frog race, donkey race and the egg and spoon. Each team competed for points and in the end, the Shining Stars FC were announced the winners.
Regular season games started on Wednesday and the public is asked to get involved in anyway possible. For more information, contact the AFA office.
-Jason Allen

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