NASSAU, The Bahamas –The nation’s highest point, Mount Alvernia nestled in the picturesque Cat Island is the destination of choice for the BFA this month. As the official governing body of the sport of football in The Bahamas with a goal to establish soccer programmes on every Family Island, the team is laser focused.
This week, BFA Technical Director Bruce Swan and Director of Women’s Football Development Soraya Toppin-Herbert paid a courtesy visit to the Cat Island Sports Council Soccer Club, Island Administrator Kate Williamson, the Cat Island Police Division and Carl Rolle of Rollezz Villas Beach Resort. Swan and Toppin-Herbert also conducted further assessments to garner interest in soccer programmes on the island.
As the BFA Technical Director, Bruce Swan carries the message that soccer is for everyone and accessible to all children across the archipelago.
“Part of the BFA’s strategic plan is to expand grassroots football throughout the islands of The Bahamas, as a result Cat Island is a critical part of that development. We are very interested in supporting football here and want to ensure we start recruiting younger age groups to ensure a strong foundation to grow the sport through all the islands of The Bahamas. As a result, we look forward to establishing these relationships and providing resources to ensure programmes can be sustained over several years,” explained Swan.
As the Director of Women’s Football, Toppin-Herbert can see first-hand how soccer could develop and thrive on the island with the necessary resources and support in place.
“The purpose of the trip is to analyze the football environment in Cat Island. This will allow us to determine what are the development and equipment needs. This trip also allows me to see the state of girls’ football here and encourages young ladies to get involved in the sport,” she explained.
Additionally, the pair presented footballs to the Principles of Old Bight High School – Dr. Bennique Brown-Pratt, Old Bight Primary School’s Olivia King, and the Arthur’s Town Comprehensive Vice Principal Bodie. They also presented footballs to the Secretary of the Cat Island Sports Council Police Inspector Theresa Staurt. Additionally, Swan and Toppin-Herbert demonstrated for the neighbouring children soccer drills and answered any questions related to the sport.
