July 26 – Former Canadian women’s national team goalkeeper and FIFA legend Karina LeBlanc has been appointed head of Concacaf Women’s Football.
Based in Miami, LeBlanc will take the lead developing women’s football across the confederation, focussed on increasing opportunities for women through grassroots and competitions platforms, refereeing, development, and administration. She will report to Concacaf’s Chief of Football Officer Manolo Zubiria.
LeBlanc had an 18 year playing career representing Canada in five FIFA World Cups, two Olympics and three Pan-American Games. She won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012. In 2013, she became the first female professional footballer to be appointed as UNICEF Ambassador.
“I am honored and excited to join Concacaf at a pivotal time for women’s football,” said LeBlanc. “I have seen the growth and potential of our game across the Concacaf region and around the globe and look forward to create additional opportunities for women in football. Our Confederation is well-positioned to continue supporting and inspiring its Member Associations to build, develop and elevate the women’s game.”
LeBlanc has true pan-regional connections. Born to Jamaican and Dominican parents and raised on the Caribbean island of Dominica until age eight, before moving to Canada.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani said: “Karina LeBlanc … brings a vast knowledge and passion for the sport, having played for 18 years and serving as an advocate to providing access for more women to the game. (She) is the right leader to support our mission of advancing and promoting women’s football in a sustainable and scalable way. She will contribute to increase participation and awareness at all levels.”
Contact the writer of this story at paul.nicholson@insideworldfootball.com