On Saturday 21st January, a very important program was launched at the Bath village playing field.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the longstanding Coach of the Bath United Football club, Alex Claxton.
The program is the brainchild of a former top athlete, female Footballer and local Coach, Ms. Alexandra Richards.
She received the Youth Impact 12 sports excellence award in 2022, which was sponsored by Regency Assurance.
According to Ms. Aleyah Powell, who represented the Youth Department, the awardees for 2022, were challenged by Regency Assurance, to come up with a voluntary community-oriented program, which would help in the development of young people.
Alexandra came up with the GIRLS CAN PLAY initiative.
In her brief address, Alexandra explained that it is a three months long program, aimed at girls aged between 4 and 16 years. Through the game of Football, they will be taught lifelong skills.
Emphasis will be placed on personal development, personal hygiene, sportsmanship and social etiquette.
There is also a homework assistance element included in the program.
As regards the schedule: On Saturdays, the program will run from 9 am to 12 noon and on Wednesdays, the homework assistance aspect, will commence at 4 pm and conclude at 6 pm.
Ms. Richards thanked all who would have assisted her in making her dream a reality and asked the young lasses to bring their best behaviour, follow instructions and learn as much as they can.
Youth Department representative, Ms. Aleyah Powell, declared the program officially open.
Also making remarks at the ceremony, was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Education and Sports, Mr. Kevin Barrett, who commended Ms. Richards for the initiative and wished the program every success.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the President of the Bath United Football club, Mrs. Isha Duggins.