Thirty-seven out of the 41 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Member Associations will celebrate tomorrow (23 May) the region's inaugural Women’s Football Day to advance the participation of women and girls in football in the region.

A number of initiatives, including girls grassroots festivals, 3v3 and 5v5 tournaments and a football skills challenge, will be organised by the Football Associations (FAs). Joined by governmental and non-profit organisations, the FAs will not only convey the importance of developing women’s football but also provide vital information about the importance of nutrition, activeness and a healthy lifestyle.

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb said: "It is crucial for CONCACAF to continue the advancement of women’s football while developing grassroots programs and continue achieving major victories.

"My vision was and remains the same - that every man, woman and child passionate about football has the opportunity to access our beautiful game and develop their skills."

Through the initiative, the Confederation aims to generate awareness about the transformative power of women’s football for girls and women; promote and encourage continued investment in women’s football; and unite all its Member Associations in creating a memorable day of women’s football.

CONCACAF executive committee member Sonia Bien-Aime highlighted the work of the FAs in the build up for the day: "CONCACAF is thrilled to see the investment and dedication by our Member Associations for this day of celebration for women’s football.

"With festivals and other exciting activities scheduled to take place, we are certain that Women’s Football Day will bring global attention to the region and highlight the women’s football success stories."

With nearly three million registered female players, 30 women’s football leagues at the national association level, 25 youth leagues (U13, U15 and U17), CONCACAF demonstrate their current focus on women’s youth development, as well as the potential for further growth.

Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director at United Nations Women, stressed: "The one thing that I know helps to fight gender stereotypes and reaffirm girls, is success in sports.

"We need to harness the exceptional capacity that sports has to educate and to change attitudes. Through engaging in sports and living its values, women and girls can develop leadership skills, overcome bias, improve their health and become empowered."

The day will officially kick-off Saturday with a video message from CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, with activities continuing throughout the day. All participants and women’s football fans are encouraged to use the event’s designated hashtags - #WFD and #CONCACAFWFD - to share photos, videos, comments, stories and more in order to further amplify the women’s football movement.

To see the full list of participating FAs visit here.

Join us in celebrating the inaugural @CONCACAF Women's Football Day (#WFD) this Saturday! http://t.co/YGja4WJ0Wj pic.twitter.com/CkQm5KWcWo

— US Youth Soccer (@USYouthSoccer) May 21, 2015

Sonia Bien-Aime: “#CONCACAF is making tremendous strides to develop and promote Women's Football at the global and regional level". #WFD — CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) May 20, 2015

Member Associations Prepare for Historic Women’s Football Day http://t.co/Ju46jawtZz #WFD #CONCACAFWFD http://t.co/Cb7LPB1rPU

— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) May 18, 2015

May 23 is Women's Football day in our confederation! https://t.co/s4xtibQIYK — Andrea Rodebaugh (@arode8) May 20, 2015

¡Que no se te olvide! Disfruta con nosotros del Festival de Fútbol Femenino este sábado junto @CONCACAF. #CONCACAFWFD pic.twitter.com/IuLzopXrX4

— FedeFútbolPR (@FutbolPR) May 22, 2015

Only 2 days away and the chase is on! Let's celebrate #CONCACAFWFD . Another #grassroots feature for #WFD pic.twitter.com/V2lxVgOtLu — SKNFA (@SKNFA_) May 21, 2015

FEPAFUT celebrará día del fútbol femenino de CONCACAF - http://t.co/i9i2gIi9vZ http://t.co/xS33abpKLZ #CONCACAFWFD #WFD @concacaf

— FEPAFUT (@fepafut) May 21, 2015

Womens Football Day this weekend #wfd #concacafwfd #bahamas #football #soccer... http://t.co/YChA5b1sJI — Bahamas FA (@BahamasFA) May 19, 2015

Member associations of @CONCACAF prepare for historic Women’s Football Day on 23 May: http://t.co/jl6TJoV1Ce #WFD

— UN Women (@UN_Women) May 21, 2015