Women’s Premier League gets rebrand
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 10:04 AM
FINALLY, LOCAL women’s football has received some good news.
Some extremely good news, as a matter of fact, after the launch of the rebranded Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) at the Land Rover showroom, on Authur Wint Drive, in Kingston yesterday.
The league, which is due to kick off on March 1, will consist of 11 teams. But most importantly, and similar to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), the league will now be managed by the newly formed Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL), which will be in charge of commercialising, managing, and developing the league.
Chairperson of the PWFJL, Christina Hudson, said Carlene Edwards, senior corporate communications officer of Supreme Ventures Limited, and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) technical committee chairman Rudolph Speid were integral in her coming on board. That, she says, combined with deep love for country and a desire to help improve the lives of as many Jamaicans as possible, made the decision easy.
She pointed out that the organisation aims not only to improve the standard of the league but also the infrastructure of local women’s clubs and the players’ personal development
“We have entered a partnership with the JFF to take over the commercialisation of the women’s league this year. We are really proud of the production of the launch, which is indicative of the season we are looking to have.
“I am very optimistic about what we can achieve. The product of women’s football is not hard to sell. And we have such a strong talent pool here, and if the sponsors and market see what we can accomplish, next year will be easier to get more people to support us,” he said.
The league has already attracted sponsors such as Sherwin Williams, Supreme Ventures, TruShake, Kind Hearts Foundation, Gatorade, KFC (which presented $2.5 million), Valvoline, Wata, Hummel Jamaica, and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), and Hudson revealed they have already accumulated $10.7 million in sponsorship, with more expected to come on board in the near future
“We are still working on partnerships and sponsorships behind the scenes. So far, we have about $10.7 million raised in just one- and a half months.
“We will tip off the Jamaica Women’s Premier League with the highest level of professionalism. We have a lot to give back to our communities and clubs, and we hope to bring the best that is possible to Jamaica,” she said.
Hummel Jamaica are the official kit and equipment sponsor. They will be providing each club with 25 home kits, 25 away kits, 10 training balls, five match balls, a ball bag, 25 pairs of shin guards, two goalkeeper gloves, and 10 training bibs.
A step forward
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said the renovated league represents a step forward, providing an opportunity for women around the island to showcase their talent, hone their skills, and pursue their passion.
She said that it will also encourage generations of women to elevate the standard of women’s football in Jamaica while revealing that the SDF will be matching the $12.6 million subvention provided to the Jamaica Premier League by the Government.
“I remember when there was no money, no sponsorship, because Sherwin Williams pulled out. So in this strategic partnership between the Jamaica Football Federation and the Jamaica Women’s Premier League, confidence in the growth of the league will be demonstrated.
“What I see here today. I am impressed. We are moving up like the men. They have nothing over us,” she stated.
“This collaboration represents the shared commitment to managing, nurturing, and expanding the women’s league. It aims to elevate women’s football to new heights. So players and clubs can reach their full potential,” said Grange.
“We are going to give the same support to the women that we give to the men. It takes cash to care, and we have to put our money where our mouth is. No sponsor has exceeded the figure of $2 million, and so I stand here to tell you that it will be above $2 million. So I strongly encourage other corporate sponsors to come on board and invest in the future of our women.”
The 11 teams in the league are Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier SC, UWI Women’s FC, Wifi United FC from Portland, Proven Girls FC from St Thomas, Mile Gully FC and Los Perfectos FC from Manchester, Frazsiers Whip FC and Federal United FC from St Catherine, while representing St James are Springers United FC and Real MoBay AFC.