Football: BFA Hold Annual Congress Meeting
The Bermuda Football Association [BFA] held its Annual Congress Meeting [ACM] on Tuesday, September 29, at the Hamilton Princess.
A spokesperson said, “The Meeting commenced with welcome remarks from the BFA President, Mark Wade, followed by the Financial Report by BFA Treasurer, Kim Richards. Once again, the BFA received a clean audit report and appointed Deloitte as auditors for the 2020-2021 financial year. As part of the Financial Report Clubs were informed of FIFA’s COVID Relief funding whereby single field operators will receive $10,000, shared field operators will receive $7,500 each and all other Clubs will receive $5,000 each. This in addition to the previous solidarity grant of $2000 to each club.
“Competitions Committee Chair, and BFA 1st Vice President, Shannon Burgess confirmed that despite Paget Lions withdrawing from the First Division, the league’s schedule will remain the same and two First Division teams will have a bye per match week. This tough decision was made after the Competitions Committee confirmed that amending the First Division schedule will have consequences for other scheduled games and match officials.
“Compliance Officer, Vance Campbell mentioned that the Association has been working on the following projects: Development of Child Safeguarding Policy in accordance with the new FIFA initiative; BFA compliance with the requirements of the Personal Information Protection Act 2016 and updating the BFA Constitution and Bye Laws where applicable.
“Chairman of the BFA Infrastructure Committee, Troy Lewis reported that the Committee is planning to optimize BFA facilities. The Committee is also advancing lighting projects at North Village, PHC, and SCC fields.
“Youth Committee Chair, Manny Faria highlighted the youth teams that will take part in the Youth and Children’s Leagues for the 2020/21 football season. The Youth Committee is committed to providing up to date statistics in a timely and efficient manner. The Committee will provide an opportunity for one day tournaments for all age groups in the children’s league.
“The Chairman of the Referees Committee, Crenstant Williams highlighted the achievements over the last year, including Concacaf instructor courses, FIFA Zoom Courses, and the launch of the Referee Academy. The Committee is planning to have more officials on the FIFA list.
“Security Committee Chair, Shequita Parson reported on improving club security infrastructure, including the provision of assistance to clubs on how to implement COVID-19 match protocols to keep players, coaches, and spectators safe.
“Women’s Committee Chair, Charryse Bean reflected on the achievements of last year, including the introduction of St. David’s and Young Men’s Social Club to the All Girls’ League which completed their 3rd season in March 2020. Other achievements include the U9 & U11 Girls’ Football Tournament which was held along with the Women’s Symposium in March 2020, and the Alicia Zuill Women’s Tournament which saw 70 female footballers take part. The Women’s Committee will continue to move forward with their strategic goals of the future.
“After the President’s Report from Mark Wade, the meeting continued with the elections of the following Executive Council Members who were elected unopposed:
- Mark Wade – President
- Crenstant Williams – 2nd Vice President
- Anthony Francis – Executive Member
- Troy Brimmer – Executive Member
- Antione Augustus – Executive Member
- Mark Steede – Executive Member [New]
