The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas’ junior national team got off to a slow start in the CONCAF Under-15 Girls Championship.

The team opened play with a 1-0 loss to Antigua and Barbuda yesterday in the group stage of the event, hosted at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The roster for Team Bahamas includes goalkeepers: Ambrielle Major and Kendi Outten, Defenders: Aliyah Clarke, Claudisha Curtis, Derrica Ferguson, Danae Malcolm, Tenniya Martin, Adonya Rolle, Tori Seymour,

Midfielders: Cimone Hanna, Tyra Mckenzie, Kourtni Pinder, Gabrielle Simms, Abigail Simms, Mckell Yallop, Abigail Victor and Forewards: Jenai Adderley and Angel Daxon.

A total of 23 teams are participating in the tournament which began earlier this month and continues until August 21.

Canada is the defending champion of the bi-annual event, after they defeated Haiti.

The tournament is designed to encourage development for youth players from across the Confederation, while promoting competition at the international level for all member associations – including those for which few opportunities have previously existed at this age level.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando will play host to all the group phase and knockout round matches.Teams will be divided into three groups of five teams and two groups of four teams. All of the group winners, plus the second place teams from the five-team groups, will advance to the quarter-finals.

The opening ceremony for the event took place August 9, featuring  addresses from CONCACAF General Secretary, Philippe Moggio, and FIFA and CONCACAF Councils member, Sonia Bien-Aime.

“We aim at creating a women’s football movement that encourages more girls to participate in the sport,” said Moggio. “Beyond the competition, we want you to continue to develop and perfect your play. In addition, you can help inspiring other girls to play the game.”

Bien-Aime, who also serves as president of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, talked about her passion for football and competition. She encouraged the convened players to pursue a sports career both on and off the field. “Football doesn’t end here on the field, the sky is the limit,” Bien-Aime said. “The possibilities for a career in the sport arena are endless.”

Over the past few years, CONCACAF has targeted women’s development and have hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2014 U-17 and the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cups.

 Locally, the Bahamas Football Association hosted its own initiative on Women’s Football Day back in May. They are also currently hosting a Women’s League following a historic draft process in July.