BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — As preparations ramp up for the start of the 2026 Women’s Football Season, the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) will host two major events this weekend aimed at promoting player welfare, safeguarding, and the continued development of women’s football across the Federation.
On Friday, June 5, the SKNFA, in collaboration with the St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross, will stage a First Aid and Safeguarding Training Programme for Women in Football at the National Bank Group Technical Centre. The initiative is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively to emergencies while fostering a safer environment for players, coaches, and officials involved in the sport.
SKNFA Head of Women’s Football, Kalia Huggins, emphasised the importance of the programme as part of the Association’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of the women’s game.
“This workshop will focus on key aspects of football development, with special emphasis on first aid and safeguarding. Through our collaboration with the Red Cross, participants will receive practical guidance on basic first aid procedures within a football environment,” Huggins said.
“We have invited at least one female representative from each club to attend and gain valuable knowledge that can help enhance player safety and welfare throughout the season.”
Huggins explained that the training will feature both classroom instruction and hands-on activities, ensuring participants gain practical experience and confidence in applying what they learn.
“The Red Cross team is committed to providing an interactive experience. Participants will not only learn the theory behind first aid and safeguarding but will also have the opportunity to practice those skills in real-life scenarios. We expect the workshop to be highly engaging and informative,” she added.
The activities will continue on Saturday, June 6, with a Female Football Festival at the National Bank Group Technical Center. The event, which begins at 2:30 p.m., is open to females of all ages and is intended to celebrate women’s football while encouraging greater participation in the sport.
The festival will also provide an opportunity for attendees to put into practice some of the skills and knowledge acquired during the previous day’s workshop.
“We are encouraging participants to return for the festival so they can apply what they have learned in a football setting. It is an excellent opportunity to combine learning with enjoyment while continuing to promote the growth of women’s football,” Huggins said.
The Female Football Festival will feature a variety of football-related activities aimed at fostering community engagement, developing skills, and creating a welcoming environment for women and girls interested in the sport.
The weekend’s activities come just one week before the official start of the 2026 Women’s Football Season, which will kick off with the President’s Cup on June 14.
The SKNFA continues to prioritize initiatives that support player development, safety, and participation as it works to strengthen and expand opportunities for women and girls in football throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.