In commemoration of Women’s Day, SAFA Phoenix hosted their first all girls Astro Challenge at Earlington Indoor Astro on Tuesday, 9 August, which has been hailed as a great success story for women’s soccer in Phoenix.
The challenge hosted 180 players from various primary and secondary schools in Phoenix. Nancy Bridgemohun of SAFA Phoenix said the girls got an opportunity to experience Astro Turf Football for the first time.
“We had seven teams in the primary school group and nine in the secondary school category that participated in the challenge. The players joined by their family, friends, officials and supporters attended this challenge making it a gala atmosphere. The aim of hosting the challenge was to show that SAFA Phoenix is behind the female league and to create a platform to start one,” said Bridgemohun.
She added that SAFA Phoenix would like to thank Earlington Secondary who reached the final, Grove End Secondary, Whetstone Primary and all SAFA Phoenix Club’s that entered a team. “SAFA Phoenix is committed to giving young girls this opportunity because a women’s league needs to start in Phoenix. Ajay Sewnath, CEO for Sub Division and owner of the Earlington Indoor Astro, has provided the venue for the women’s league to utilise every Saturday morning. Now it is left to the clubs to come on board with their teams,” said Bridgemohun.
The winners for the primary and secondary school teams were Clayfield Sporting and Phoenix Rising respectively. Segal Singh from Sunford Sporting Club and Annalise Naidu from Phoenix Rising were announced as the best player’s for the primary and high school categories.
“The overall winners in both groups received medals and a floating trophy. All the girls received hot dogs, fruits and ice cream, branded caps, water bottles, sandwiches and cool drinks courtesy of our kind and generous sponsors. We would like to thank all parents who attended the tournament in their numbers to support their children and celebrate Women’s Day with us,” said Bridgemohun
All those who are interested in entering a team for the women’s league is encouraged to contact Nancy Bridgemohun 084 727 2057.
