Despite wet and rainy weather, the BVI Football Association’s women’s league got under way at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the women’s league showed support for the cause. At the opening of the league, BVI Cancer Society President Gloria Fahie gave opening remarks along with BVIFA President Andy Bickerton, BVIFA Chairperson Sharlene Pond and Women’s Committee member Shondia McFadden-Sabari.

“It’s a pleasure to be here tonight,” said Mr. Bickerton, “The BVIFA takes women’s football very seriously. We are concerned about the number of females in the youth programme and we are looking at how to improve participation.”

“Women Rock!” said Ms. Fahie. “I just want to thank you all for partnering with the Cancer Society. I’m glad you young ladies are active, as the more active you are the less likelihood there is of you getting cancer.”

Ms. McFadden- Sabari, a double breast cancer survivor, encouraged all female players to “keep on doing what they are doing.”

“I want to encourage everyone to try and push the BVI football community forward; to have a vision, so we can grow the women’s game and all football together,” she said.

In the first game, the Ballstars beat the Panthers, 2-1, in a fast-paced match.

The Panthers scored with the help from Silvia Massicot, who took a shot from the edge of the box and then Lilly Pierce scored the equalizer. Later, the Panthers conceded an own goal to hand the Ballstars the win.

In the men’s division, the Islanders remained undefeated with a 4-0 record after beating VG united.

Andy Davis scored the opening goal in the first half and more goals came in the second half from Kevin Fisher, Devon Leteen and Nano Ottley.

In the other match, the Wolues beat the Panthers, 5-0, with goals from Kevin Carragher (2), Marc Savage (2) and James Drury.

On Sunday, the Rebels beat One Love, 3-2. D’Angelo Thomas and Joel Williams (2) scored for the Rebels, while Richard Morgan netted twice for One Love, to join Kevin Fisher and Mohammed Kachour as the leagues top scorers with five goals each.

The Sugar Boys rounded out the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Old Madrid, with goals from Mohammed Kachour and Terrence Nanton, who scored the winner from the penalty spot after Trevor Peters tied the game for Old Madrid.

Games continue this weekend at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.

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