HSBC Bermuda has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Bermuda Football Association to help pave the way for greater diversity in a sport historically dominated by males.

Marking the occasion of International Women’s Day yesterday, the BFA girls’ programme will benefit from the additional financial support provided by HSBC, which will help young girls aged 5 and above, achieve their football aspirations.

The programme not only provides a platform offering the requisite physical training but each girl benefits from attending a number of life-skill seminars and symposiums, the most recent featuring Karina LeBlanc, a former Canada goalkeeper, former and recently appointed Concacaf Head of Women’s Football.

Mark Wade, president of the BFA, said: “We are grateful to begin this partnership with HSBC. Women’s Football and HSBC is a partnership made for each other. “As we work to grow women’s football in Bermuda, having a partner in HSBC will help our future female players realise their goals.