Women’s football in Saint Lucia is coming into sharper focus, on the pitch and off. The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. is undertaking a series of initiatives, on the pitch and off, to lift the profile of the game and to get girls playing.
Last weekend, the SLFA collaborated with the Babonneau Football League for a girls’ football festival, featuring international players who interacted with over 30 students from six primary schools.
The organisation also held a capacity-building meeting with the Vieux Fort North Football League, and next week will hold a national consultation on the draft Women’s Football Strategic Plan, in collaboration with FIFA.
The festival on August 11 included girls from La Guerre, Boguis, Des Barras Combined, Babonneau, Balata, and Fond Assau, under the auspices of the SLFA, BFL, Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Member of Parliament.
Education Officer for District 1 Cyrus Cepal, BFL president Gerald Sidonie, SLFA representatives Examin Philbert and Krysan St Louis, technical director Miran Louis, and physical education teachers and coaches delivered the session.
St Louis, a seasoned international player who earned her bachelor’s degree on a sports scholarship, spoke about opportunities for girls in sport. Kayla Polius, Saint Lucia’s junior female footballer of the year, urged the girls to “stay humble, work hard, and believe that one day you can represent your country”.
The festival featured a range of practical football activities to introduce and develop fundamental skills. From dribbling and passing to shooting, ball control, and coordination drills, the girls immersed themselves in practical activities before taking part in small-sided matches that showcased their newfound skills.
Louis and SLFA president Lyndon Cooper outlined the association’s vision: sustained participation, structured player development, and a clear pathway into organised competition. The ultimate goal is the formation of a strong Babonneau Girls youth team to compete in the SLFA Girls and Women’s Competitions.
Phase Two of the programme will target at least 25 girls for retention, ensuring that the momentum built at the festival translates into lasting opportunities for young female players.
Meanwhile, the capacity-building meeting at the Grace community centre included Philbert, who is president of the Vieux Fort South league, St Louis, and Vieux Fort North president Dwain Edward, along with Cooper.
The aim of the session was to generate interest, empower, and integrate women into football administration. Female participants shared their perspectives, challenges, and aspirations for the sport, ensuring their voices remain at the forefront of the league’s objectives.
The meeting followed on from a girls’ grassroots programme held in July, in preparation for a continued girls’ programme within the community. Under the SLFA Women’s Development Programme, the meeting focused on equipping women with leadership, governance, and operational skills to step into decision-making roles within the sport.
Next week’s consultation, which takes place at the Bel Jou Hotel in La Pansee, Castries, on Saturday, October 10, will feature a FIFA delegate meeting with representatives from all 19 member leagues of the SLFA.
The consultants charged with revamping the strategic plan will present their draft document and will discuss with stakeholders the selected strategic priorities and the rationale for their selection, as well as the implementation strategies that are being suggested.
