Republic Bank All Girls Football Camp Empowers Young Girls Through Sport And Life Skills

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, in partnership with Vurlon Mills Football Academy Inc., has successfully concluded the 2nd Annual Republic Bank Girls Football Camp, a week-long programme combining football development with financial literacy, mentorship, life skills and wellness.

The Camp opened with a simple ceremony, setting the tone for a week focused not only on football, but on education, empowerment and creating opportunities for young girls through sport.

Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Ms. Jonelle Dummett, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering young people through sport and education, before performing the ceremonial kick-off. She noted “At Republic Bank, we know that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of, whether it’s in the classroom, through music or right here on the football field.”

Director of Vurlon Mills Football Academy, Mr. Vurlon Mills, welcomed participants, noting that the camp was about more than developing footballers; it was also about building confident and empowered young women. President of the Women's Football Association at the Guyana Football Federation, Ms. Andrea Johnson, shared the Federation's vision for women's football in Guyana and urged the girls to remain committed to their development in the sport.

A key feature of the Bank's involvement was a dedicated Financial Literacy Workshop for participants ages 14 to 16, facilitated by Ms. Hitnarine of Republic Bank. The interactive session covered budgeting, saving, opening and managing a bank account, and the value of developing responsible financial habits from an early age, giving the girls practical knowledge to help them make sound financial decisions as they grow.

The programme also placed emphasis on the girls' overall well-being through a mental health session delivered by UNICEF and Desert Flower, reinforcing the importance of supporting their development on and off the field.

On the field, participants were grouped by age for technical skill development ball control and passing exercises. Small-sided games and matches allowed them to put those skills into practice, while building confidence, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.

Through its Power to Make a Difference programme, Republic Bank remains proud to support initiatives that promote the growth of women's football while equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their goals and make a positive difference in their communities.