In commemoration of the International Women’s Day

Born in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Sonia Fulford was a multisport athlete who represented her country in track and field, softball and football. Her passion for the game extends beyond the pitch as she not only served as captain of the national football team but has performed multiple administrative roles. In 2006, Fulford was appointed to the position of General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) and in 2014, became the first female to be elected TCIFA President. Fulford was the first woman voted to hold a Concacaf and FIFA Councils position.  She has served on the Concacaf Football Committee and the FIFA Women's Football Committee, as well as the Organizing Committees for both the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

• How did you become president of TCIFA?
  My involvement in football and the commencement of journey to the Presidency of the TCIFA started out as a player.  At the time I had no plans to become President, I was simply enjoying playing the beautiful game and volunteering to assist with the development of the TCIFA.  I was eventually encouraged into the world of football by being appointed as the General Secretary of the TCIFA where I served for about eight years before I started considering the Presidency.  I must confess that I am a bit more fortunate than others.  My rise to the Presidency of the TCIFA was actually genuinely encouraged and embraced by enlightened men. Men who recognized the role I played as General Secretary over the years in the growing of an infant Football Association and who allowed me to grow and flourish in my role.  
   
• How the game has empowered you?
  Football usually impact people in their playing days, it is from playing that they make their strides into the world, but with me, it was after playing.
  
  As an administrator, football has molded me into an even stronger, disciplined and more confident person.  It has taught me that despite my sex, race or geographical location, my contribution to the game is equally as valuable as my male counterparts and we all can make a contribution to its growth and development.
   
• What are your expectations from your roles at Concacaf and FIFA?
  My roles at Concacaf and FIFA should be the same as every other elected member, whether male or female.  There is a misconception that the female member is responsible for the development of  women’s football.  Whilst it is natural for a female to take a special interest in the women’s game, I expect that my role is not just limited to women’s football development, but to share the collective responsibilities as my colleagues, to make policies, protect, govern, promote and develop the game. The enlightened approach by the leaders at both Concacaf and FIFA has been encouraging and heightened a hope that my expectations will be fulfilled.

• How would you encourage more women to become football administrators
  Firstly, you must love the game.  Without this love and passion for the game, one will not have the yearning and desire to protect and improve it.
  
  I do not have a magic statement of some kind to encourage more women to become administrators, it is quite simple, I use myself as the perfect example.  I share the story of my process, not to highlight the challenges that women encounter in their elevation to the top, but more importantly to highlight how rewarding and easy it can be if you’re dedicated and committed.
   
• What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?
  The TCIFA has been in operation since 1996 and became an official member of FIFA in 1998.  Since its inception, the Executive Committee and all key stakeholders (including voting members) consisted of all men.  Despite the fact that it is a small Member Association, the mindset that women had no business in football was still very dominant.  With time, patience, dedication and persistence of a few women and open minded men, we have seen a change in my country.  This has resulted in my being elected as President of the TCIFA in 2014, being the first female President, and re-elected in 2018.  The change is continuing on and today, the TCIFA can boast that women holds six out of the ten seats on the Executive Committee.
   
• What do you enjoy about football?
  Apart from the obvious joy that one experiences from playing and watching the game, football brings together the world.  It connects and brings people together from all walks of life.
   
• Why are you passionate of football administration?
  My passion comes from recognizing that though the game on the field remains 11 v 11, off the field it is an evolving sport which ultimately will impact the on-field product.  It is my desire to play a part in growing the game, in impacting its changes and in increasing the off-field participation of women. Those are some of the factors that fuel my passion.