On Thursday, The Bahamas' Under-17 Women's National Soccer Team will take to the Roscow Davies Field once again in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Championships.

The opponent will be a team that is decidedly better than the Antigua & Barbuda squad that was drubbed 10-0 this past Sunday. The local ladies will need an A+ effort. Will they be up to the task? Hopefully. The meeting between The Bahamas and Bermuda renews a rivalry that is old although it has not been constant.

Forty years ago, Freddie Thomas, Bermuda's most noted boxer, networked with the Amateur Boxing Association of The Bahamas for a series of tournaments. The teams from the two countries traded visits for competitions. The Bahamas came out on top of that friendly rivalry.

Then, during the early 1970s when the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships began, there was Bermuda's junior sprint queen Debbie Jones who clashed with Bahamians Shonell Ferguson (who sprinted as well as long-jumped) and others. So, on Thursday the rivalry will be ignited once again. This time it's about advancing in regional soccer.

Go Bahamian soccer ladies! This is yet another opportunity for Bahamians to show that great patriotic spirit by coming out in large numbers to cheer the nationals on. The attendance numbers have indeed been encouraging recently. When the men's national team hosted the Turks and Caicos a month ago, they were solidly supported.

On Sunday, despite the constant downpour of rain they came out, braving the weather with umbrellas. They enthusiastically boosted their team and that factor had a lot to do with the brilliant play against Antigua & Barbuda. The big fan support is needed again and Team Manager Karen Green continues to appeal.

"It was quite an impressive evening when The Bahamas Under-17 Women's National Soccer Team defeated Antigua & Barbuda. The final score was Bahamas 10, Antigua 0. These young ladies brought their 'A' game and were determined to perform at their best. Dena Ingraham, the birthday girl, scored five goals. Her other teammates, Shelby Green, Lauren Haven, Akwah Thompson, Kennadi Green and Joya Smith, all scored one each.

"Please come out and support these ladies when they play Bermuda on Thursday. Bring your cowbells, horns, flags and drums. Most of all, wear your Bahamian colors. We're calling all true Valley Boys, dedicated Saxons and all other Junkanoo groups! Come out and support your 'Junkanoo Divas'," said Green. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start. Go Bahamian soccer ladies!

(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at frobertsturrup@gmail.com)
*View our online gallery "Soccer Power" for more pictures.

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