Girls' Football Festival set for kick-off

Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School’s inaugural Girls’ Football Festival kicks off tomorrow at the National Sports Centre North Field at 9am.

BBFS has partnered with the Argus Group and PartnerRe Bermuda for the event, which see three International teams from the United States and Canada  visit the island.

The Festival, for 12-21 year olds, will see three matches played a day, with the action concluding at 12:30pm.

The feast of football will feature close to 150 female players participate and will include teams from BBFS (Under-14), Bermuda Football Association (Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and Senior Women’s teams) Fusion Florida (Under-17), FC Virginia Under-14 (USA) and BFS Guelph and Fergus Under-14 (Canada).

Dennis Brown, BBFS president, said in a press release: "BBFS aims to offer our programmes to both female and male players. As we celebrate five years of existence, it is important that we recognize the invaluable role girls and women play in football, on a global scale. We are proud to offer our members that travelled to the Disney Cup and reached the semi-finals and finals in 2012, the opportunity to showcase their talent on local soil.

"We are also proud to partner with the BFA Women’s National teams and offer competitive activity, as they prepare for the upcoming Natwest Island Games, (to be held in Bermuda) and various FIFA tournaments.”

Cal Blankendal, CEO of BBFS, added: “Bermuda's Brazilian Football School in partnership with the Argus Group and PartnerRe are proud to have three teams visit Bermuda and look forward to a very exciting weekend of activity.

"Not only have Argus and PartnerRe offered their support for the Girls International Festival but they have also offered their support for the BBFS Easter Camp. The camp will be held from April, 1-5 at the BAA Goose Gosling Field for boys and girls aged 7-14.”

"BBFS supports the tactical and technical development of girls’ football, as the sport plays a major role on the island. The game is gradually capturing the hearts of our female players, both in schools and weekly league matches. The ‘Beautiful Game’ aids in the social and academic enrichment of our female athletes and will offer them scholarship opportunities. We look forward to a festival of positive life skills and powerful messages, as we battle against youth diabetes, teenage pregnancy and anti-social behaviour."