The B.C. government is putting up $50,000 to develop more female soccer referees and coaches in B.C. after hosting what it identified as 鈥渢he largest-ever women's soccer tournament in the province.鈥�
No kidding, that would 聽be the FIFA Women's World Cup, which was held in six Canadian cities from June 6 to July 5. International televsion audiences soared and the World Cup Final, played at B.C. Place on July 5, became the most watched soccer match in the U.S. The defending champions from Japan 5-2 to the U.S.
Eight coaches of the 24 teams competitng in the World Cup were women, including Jill Ellis who led the U.S. to victory.聽
On the heels of the largest women's sports tournament in the world, on Wednesday the B.C. ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development announced $100,000 in funding for free coaching and refereeing workshops throughout the province this fall. Events will include clinics and professional development for women with training focused on coaching, officiating and volunteering in soccer.
ViaSport and B.C. Soccer matched the government鈥檚 $50,000.聽
