Still ignored in large measure by corporate Jamaica, the national women’s football programme continues to be embroiled in a fight for its very survival on a day-to-day basis.

The sad reality is that the programme is only being kept alive by meagre resources from a cash-strapped Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), a few dedicated private companies and loyalist support from those wishing to see the Reggae Girlz achieve their possible best.

With three weeks to go before they make their push for one of three CONCACAF spots to the FIFA 2012 Women’s World Cup, Jamaica’s Under-20 Girlz are desperate for an international training camp before the March 1-11 championship in Panama. But there’s a major problem — no money.

In an effort to raise funds to help in realising this proposed eight-day camp for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IRIE FM has organised an entertainment event called Reggae for the Reggae Girlz, which will feature top names on Jamaica’s Dancehall roster.

Slated for the Riddims Club (formerly Asylum Night Club) in New Kingston tomorrow, the function will embrace performances by Beenie Man, Konshens, Mr Vegas, Kiprich, Prophecy, Jahdore, Ce’Cile, D’Angel, plus special guest selectors.

The man behind the event and a long-standing organiser of fundraising events for the national women’s teams, Nicholas Evans, said IRIE FM felt obligated to assist the Girlz in following their dreams in an environment of scarce financial resources.

“IRIE FM has been a long-standing sponsor of the Reggae Girlz, and on learning of their situation, we felt we just had to step in and do something,” said Evans, the sports marketing executive of the all-Reggae radio station.

“Too often the Girlz first match in competitions turns out to be their first practice match as a team. If Jamaica is to stand any chance of getting one of those three spots for the World Cup then they must do some extended work as a team and that includes playing practice matches against good quality opposition,” he added.

Evans, who doubles as a reporter covering the Girlz, said the coaching staff has identified US college teams as possible practice opponents.

“We are now calling on all to come out and support this venture as every dollar from the gate will go towards that training camp,” he explained.

Admission will be $600 pre-sold and at the gate, and $800 after midnight.

In a press release last week, president of the JFF Captain Horace Burrell gave the event his blessings. “Captain Horace Burrell has expressed appreciation to IRIE FM for its continuing support to the women’s programme and he is encouraging all football loving fans to support the venture by coming out on the 10th or by purchasing tickets available at the JFF,” the JFF press release said.

In their effort to play a role in easing the cash burden, parents of the overseas-based players have indicated their willingness to cover the costs of airfare for their children to Fort Lauderdale.

Still, the JFF is left with the weight of identifying funds to cover hotel, meals, transportation and airfares from Jamaica for the local-based players.

Technical co-ordinator of the women’s programme, Vin Blaine, says the camp “is very important to our chances of qualifying”.

“There are players who will be playing with us for the first time. It is, therefore, essential that the team gets an opportunity to train and play a couple of practice games before going off to Panama,” Blaine told the Observer on Tuesday.

“These games are critical in organising the team’s approach during the tournament and I have to thank the initiative of IRIE FM in putting on the fundraiser to assist with what I deem to be an important training camp if we are to have any chance of advancing to the World Cup,” added Blaine, the head coach of all the women’s teams.

Meanwhile, Jamaica have been drawn in Group A of the CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship where they will meet confederation powerhouses Mexico and Canada and neighbours Haiti.

All matches are scheduled to be played at the Rommel Fernadez Stadium in the capital Panama City, with the Young Girlz set to kickstart their campaign on March 1 against Mexico. They will then face Canada on March 3, then will put a wrap on their preliminary round against Haiti two days later.

Group B will be headed by champions USA, who will have hosts Panama, Guatemala and Cuba to contend with.