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Reggae Girlz Foundation, Golden Krust put fans in the stands

Published:Sunday | November 6, 2022 | 12:13 AMCecelia Campbell-Livingston - Gleaner Writer
Reggae Girlz captain Khadija Shaw (left) and teammate Chantelle Swaby celebrate after opening the scoring against Mexico in a Group A Concacaf Women’s Championship match earlier this year.
Courtesy of concacaf.com
Reggae Girlz captain Khadija Shaw (left) and teammate Chantelle Swaby celebrate after opening the scoring against Mexico in a Group A Concacaf Women’s Championship match earlier this year.

THE SENIOR Reggae Girlz are scheduled to play two international friendly games against Paraguay on November 10 at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, and on November 13 at the National Stadium.

In an effort to raise awareness about the Reggae Girlz and build support as well as inspire young girls, the Reggae Girlz Foundation solicited donations from several Golden Krust franchises and other organisations to sponsor 175 tickets to provide to six selected high schools and one football club (25 tickets each) to attend the November 10 game in Montego Bay. One hundred and fifty tickets will go to high school girls and 25 tickets to boys.

Michelle Adamolekun, president of the foundation, said the gesture was well appreciated by the students.

“Sitting in that stadium, watching the match will be future players and even if they don’t turn to football, they can get a first-hand look at the kind of dedication and determination it takes to go after their goals.”

Theo Burnett, CEO of the Golden Krust franchise in Atlanta and also a former football player for Clarendon College, also saw the benefits for future leaders among women.

“I am passionate about supporting the girls – on and off the field, as well as ensuring that the legacy of female football is nourished and girls continue to be inspired and allowed to dream,” he said.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

The former footballer said he understood, more than most, the importance of building confidence, and for him the more persons in the stands to show their support, the better the Girlz will play.

Commenting on the ticket giveaways, Adamolekun said once they put the word out, the selections were based on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We initially opted to do four schools but the demand was overwhelming, so we raised additional funds and expanded the list.

The selected schools where students will be receiving tickets are Montego Bay High, St James High School, Frome High School, Herbert Morrison High School, Lacovia High School and Cornwall College. The sole female football club is Springers United.

The Reggae Girlz Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in the United States.