Attin-Johnson, Dr Welch launch Foundations

The Attin-Johnson Initiative will serve as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) while the dianaTon Foundation, started by Dr Welch, “was developed on the grounds of the need for more focused guidance for youth, particularly young women”.

The 29-year-old Attin-Johnson, who have been involved in the national women’s team for over a decade, gave the strongest indication that she is looking at other ventures, once her playing career is over.

“I’ve always remember being told if I put the commitment and passion that I have for football into anything else, it will surely be a success,” she said. “As scary as it may seem, I am eager to discover new adventures.”

Concerning the Attin-Johnson Initiative, the easy-going Attin-Johnson stated, “my focus and the main objective of this Foundation is to establish, operate and promote peace, unity and resilience through sport; to conduct and to promote a healthy lifestyle through sporting activities; and to assist society in a successful development of a golden future, focusing on the physical and social lives of under-privileged youths, empowering them to become heroes of excellence.”

She pointed out, “in retrospect, I realise there is more to life than just football, and it’s not always about Maylee Attin- Johnson, and it’s about empowering others.”

Attin-Johnson extended her gratitude to God, her family and friends for assisting her towards her new venture.

In a subsequent interview, she admitted, “I could have gone into some other business venture but this is what warms my heart.

I think if I can change one young girl’s or young boy’s life, I’ve served a purpose.”

Asked how her Initiative was conceptualised, Attin-Johnson replied, “I have to thank Lorraine Ferguson, she was definitely one who pushed for me to actually get everything done.

Honestly, it just came about. I’ve always been able to go and do motivational speaking, but never under my own initiative.

“I think it was time. I’m getting old, to continue playing football at a high level. So it’s just something that I went straight ahead and do.”

And she expects to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. “My first initiative will be the Iron Woman event where I’ll put on a clinic for young girls at an earlier age, because I started playing football at 11, which is relatively an old age to start football, or any sport.”

Attin-Johnson added, “I want to create an “adopt a child” programme where you go and see who is in need, try and facilitate them and give them hope to get out of their situation.”

Dr Welch, who worked with the national women’s team during their unsuccessful 2015 FIFA World Cup campaign, said, “growing up, I’ve always had a support system with family and close friends. And I’ve wondered how people, without such support, get through that.”

She continued, “there were many times that I promised myself that one day I would create a platform for people who didn’t have what I had. It’s my sincere hope that this Foundation, as well as Maylee’s Foundation, will create that platform for some people who may not have been as lucky as I have been.”

Other speakers at yesterday’s media conference were Vishani Murally, a current Miss TT World contestant; and Attin- Johnson’s former teammate Jinelle James, who is presently the media officer of the TT Women’s League Football (WoLF).