Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) have taken a historic step with the launch of the country’s first-ever Women’s Football Strategic Plan. The plan was unveiled on Thursday, December 11, in Belize City.
FFB President Sergio Chuc emphasized that the programme carries a budget of $14 million. With $7 million already secured, the federation will seek additional support from government and the private sector to fully fund the initiative. At the launch, the FFB recognized the presence of Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports Devin Daly and called on both government and private enterprise to join them in developing women’s football.
The FFB currently field several national teams at different levels in international competition, though recent results have not been encouraging — reflecting the need for a structured plan to raise standards.
FFB President Sergio Chuc at the Women’s Football Strategic Plan launch – Photo Credit: FFB
Women’s football in Belize began in 2001 when the Belize Women’s National Team (BWNT) debuted at the Central American Games. Since then, the game has seen significant milestones: the creation of the National Amateur Women’s League in 2008, its restructuring in 2018, and Belize’s participation in U-15 and U-16 CONCACAF competitions that same year. In 2019, the U-17 women’s team qualified for the CONCACAF Championship, while in 2023 the “A” BWNT enjoyed an undefeated run in the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifiers, advancing from Group C to Group B. By 2024, the National Amateur Women’s League had evolved into the Premier Women’s League of Belize, the country’s top competition.
The FFB say the purpose of the new strategic plan is to empower girls and women in football by ensuring equitable access, high-quality development pathways, and a safe, inclusive environment. Their vision is to establish women’s football in Belize as a nationally respected and internationally competitive programme recognized for excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity. Their mission focuses on delivering structured development programmes, educational initiatives, and high-performance systems that allow every girl and woman in Belize to participate, develop, and excel in the sport.
Photo Credit: FFB
Currently, 2,120 girls and women are active in football across the country. Supporting them are 80 certified coaches, including five with A/B licences, seven with C licences, and 68 with D licences. According to the FFB, Belize also count nine women referees, three of whom are international officials.
The Women’s Football Strategic Plan’s general objectives include expanding women’s football nationwide, enhancing competitive standards, building a sustainable football ecosystem, professionalizing key stakeholders such as coaches, referees, and administrators, and increasing the commercial and market value of the women’s game.
Long-term goals include establishing national women’s football coordination structures, expanding student-athlete development programmes, creating regional academies, and achieving nationwide growth in player registration. The plan envisions development from the grassroots level, starting with U-7 players, all the way to elite competition.
The post FFB launch first Women’s Football Strategic Plan in Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Photo Credit: FFB By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) have taken a historic step with the launch of the country’s first-ever Women’s Football Strategic Plan. The plan was unveiled on Thursday, December 11, in Belize City. FFB President Sergio Chuc emphasized that the programme carries a budget of $14 million. With
The post FFB launch first Women’s Football Strategic Plan in Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
