Former Canadian international Karina LeBlanc, by tone and rhetoric, seems ready to get the ball rolling in her new role as Head of CONCACAF Women’s Football.

The former Canada goalkeeper, who takes up the post on Wednesday, August 1, is charged with the responsibility to spearhead the Confederation’s campaign “to strengthen and grow the women’s game throughout the CONCACAF region”.

“I am honoured and excited to join CONCACAF at a pivotal time for women’s football. 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,” said LeBlanc.

The Canadian — born in Dominica to Jamaican and Dominican parents — will see her new role embracing a focus on “developing women’s football throughout the entire region, increasing opportunities for women in the sport across multiple areas”, including through grassroots and competitions platforms — refereeing, development and administration.

LeBlanc, who will be based at CONCACAF’s Miami head office, will report to the Chief of Football Officer, Manolo Zubiria.

Meanwhile, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, welcomed his country woman to the post, at a time when the Confederation is broadening and consolidating its development and growth portfolio.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mrs Karina LeBlanc as head of CONCACAF Women’s Football. She brings 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,” he said.

“Mrs LeBlanc 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,” Montagliani added.

Throughout her career, LeBlanc represented Canada in five FIFA World Cups, two Olympics and three Pan-American Games. She was a member of the bronze medal-winning team at the London Olympics in 2012.

In 2013, she became the first female professional footballer to be appointed as UNICEF ambassador.

From goalkeeper to host, broadcaster and motivational speaker, she has travelled across the world to raise awareness about the game as well as the importance of women’s empowerment, especially through the sport.

“CONCACAF is creating a network of unified competitions, development and leadership that unites this diverse region into one strong body, with the goals of actively promoting universal access to the sport, and raising the quality of football across the Confederation,” said the sub-continental grouping in a widely circulated release.

— Sean Williams