MIAMI, Florida — CONCACAF, the football confederation embracing North and Central America and the Caribbean, will launch an annual awards for outstanding performers in the game for 2013.

The awards, which will be presented for the first time this year and will continue on an annual basis, have been designed to recognise the top players, coaches and referees in women’s and men’s football competing in events within the CONCACAF region.

“We are delighted to introduce the first edition of the annual CONCACAF Awards, which will provide rightful and much-deserved recognition to our region’s best players, coaches and referees in the women’s and men’s games,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb.

The CONCACAF Awards will honour players and achievements in CONCACAF-sanctioned tournaments and competitions involving the confederation’s national teams at all levels, including FIFA World Cup qualifying for both genders, in all age categories.

Performances also eligible for recognition include those achieved in professional club football leagues within the CONCACAF member associations, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League.

This year’s award categories include Male and Female Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Referee of the Year, and Goal of the Year.