Naquita Robinson has been named the first female coach of Bermuda women’s national team.Robinson’s first task will be preparing the senior squad for next year’s World Cup qualifiers and the Island Games a competition she believes her team must win.The former TN Tatem Middle School teacher, who led North Village Lady Rams to the domestic title last season, said she was honoured to become a “trailblazer” for local female coaches.“As a player it’s something I always aspired to do and it’s exciting to be a trailblazer,” said Robinson, who will be permitted to continue coaching Lady Rams.“I always played under male coaches who have always done a great job, but it’s definitely a challenge that I’m looking forward to.“I’ve been coaching since 2007 so I’m still learning and growing but have had great tutors in Richard Todd, Andrew Bascome and Vance Brown.“I definitely have a great support staff and success is going to be the only option.”Robinson, who attended Messiah College and Kean University in the US, joined the National Academy coaching staff last month and has already begun assessing the Island-based players.Opening trials are being held every Tuesday at BFA Field until the new year when Robinson hopes to have finalised her 2013 senior squad.“I was part of the 2005 and 2007 Island Games team when we placed third both times,” said the ex-Lady Cougars player.“The majority of the girls that played in 2007 are still available this year so that experience is going to bolster the team.“I believe (finishing) first is the only option because the girls know what to expect and the Games are at home so we will have the crowd behind us.“I know the girls are up for it as there was a bit of disappointment that we didn’t enter the 2011 competition.”A lack of fitness has been one of the main stumbling blocks facing the women’s game, according to Robinson, who aims to ramp up competition for places.“I think in the past there has been an entitlement due to ability with players thinking ‘I’m good so they are going to pick me’.“What has also let us down is our fitness; that’s what we lack rather than skill.“My toughest challenge is letting those players know that they are going to have to work hard to make the team.”National Academy director Richard Todd said Robinson was the obvious appointment due to her wealth of experience in the domestic women’s game.“Naquita has played at the local domestic level, represented Bermuda senior women’s national team, and in recent years begun her evolution into coaching,” he said.“It’s a natural progression for Naquita and this appointment fits into our philosophy of getting more women involved in the women’s programme and into leadership positions.“(Having a female coach) is definitely a first for us and a trend we are seeing worldwide.“I think it only makes sense for us to invest in Naquita’s development so we can have females part of the National Academy staff.”Todd admitted the female game required a revamp and that the Bermuda Football Association had considered moving the women’s season so not to conflict with the men’s campaign.“We will continue to look at various concepts to improve the development of the women’s game,” said Todd.“The women’s futsal league has played a part in that and there is an idea of shifting the women’s league to a time when the men’s game isn’t playing so our resources are not being taxed in regards to fields, referees and coaches.“There needs to be sustainable girls’ and women’s leagues and these are some of the challenges going forward.”