PAHO engages with youth footballers

Bridgetown, Barbados. 14 March 2024 (PAHO) - PAHO staff recently hosted a community engagement activity for members of the Barbados Women’s Football Association which was warmly received by both sides.

‘All about Me’ was the theme for the engagement activity, which is part of PAHO’s community outreach programme developed to promote mental health well-being and social interaction, to facilitate personal and team empowerment.

PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, welcomed the girls, their manager, coach, and parents and gave an overview of PAHO.

The Barbados Women’s Football Association team members, girls ages 12 to 15 years, participated in fun icebreakers – balloon name activity, alphabet name activity and descriptive introductions.

Then a mind mapping exercise ensued where the girls discussed what health and wellness means to them and posed anonymous questions about mental health, sexual and reproductive health.

Credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley - Dr. Taraleen Malcolm (left) and Dr. Gloria Giraldo (right) facilitating sessions with the football team.

Advisor, NCDs and Mental Health, for the Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC) Office, Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, led a discussion with the adolescents and teens on Mental Health inclusive of managing bullying and dealing with stress, and this was followed by an interactive talk on Women’s Health (Understanding our Bodies) coordinated by Dr. Gloria Giraldo, Advisor, NCDs and Mental Health, Subregional Caribbean Office.

Credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley - After demonstrating their football skills on the field, the team engaged in a friendly game with our staff

Following the indoor exercises, roles were reversed, and it was the young ladies’ turn to become tutors when they ventured on to the turf outdoors. They demonstrated several football drills for the benefit of PAHO staff, under the direction of Barbados Women’s Football Association Manager Tricia Brown and Coach Fitzgerald Carter.

Dr. Del Riego described the evening as a resounding success.

“It was our intention to meet the members of the Barbados Women’s Football Association, share developmental strategies with the team members and learn how they perceive their own development, in a fun and relaxed environment,” she said. “We bonded with the girls and both sides have definitely been enriched by the experience.”

Credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley - Team captain Taryn Sutherland (left) expressed appreciation to Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, for hosting the football team.