Five women’s teams will begin play in the BVI Football Association’s Women’s League that kicks off on Sunday and is named in honor of former president Johnny Hassan—who is also a past president of the BVI Athletics Association.
“I was really surprised when a couple of the football association members came to the office and told me,” Mr. Hassan said. “It was truly a surprise, but I do appreciate it.”
Activities will begin with an official opening ceremony starting at 3:30 p.m. at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, with a parade of members on the five teams— Woules, Panthers, No Fears, Ball Stars and VG United—and remarks by BVIFA officials and Sports Minister Myron Walwyn.
The league comes on the heels of the VI and USVI playing in two matches earlier this month where the home side ended a 5-year scoring drought against their USVI counterparts, following a 2-0 victory in the second match, after falling 1-0 in their first encounter.
Speaking on last Thursday night’s Sports Beat Magazine on ZROD 103.7 FM, Mr. Hassan, who witnessed the VI and USVI matches, said he didn’t like what he saw in the first game when they lost 1-0, but liked what he saw in the second game during their 2-0 triumph.
“I saw some sparkle to really fight and the spirit to fight for the national team was there and they really came out to play,” he said. “There are a few things that can be polished here and there to make them better, like how to attack the ball and how to collect the ball. However, all of that can come in the future, not in a couple matches, but the team looked good. The potential is there. They just need a little more hard work and refinement and I think the association is capable of following up on it.”