Challenge accepted
PWFJL general manager raring to get working on women’s game
Published:Wednesday | February 19, 2025 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
CRYSTAL WALTERS, general manager of the newly formed Professional Women Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL), is welcoming the challenges her new duties, added to her responsibilities as manager of the senior Reggae Girlz, will bring, noting that they will continue to help her grow and evolve as an administrator.
She is also confident that with all stakeholders working together, they can make the revamped Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) an immediate success.
“This new portfolio, adding to the Reggae Girlz management responsibilities that I would have, is indeed a pleasure. And I have accepted the opportunity with extended arms, as a player who has come through the league and now transitioning over to administration.
“It is indeed a path that I look forward to, to continue learning, continue growing and evolving,” she said at the launch of the rebranded JWPL recently.
The PWFJL will be the female version of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), which oversee the commercialisation and operations of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), and Walters will be in charge of daily operations, including ensuring that teams and clubs meet and live up to rules and regulations and standards set by the PWFJL.
Walters believes the organisation can make the new-look league, which has already received over $10 million in sponsorship, one to be proud of for years to come. But said everybody must work together to make it happen.
“The rebrand and sponsorship was necessary for the consistent evolution of the women’s side of the sport. So this was needed, and what better timing than now, going into World Cup qualifiers, wanting to see more local players transitioning into the senior Reggae Girlz set-up. So it is indeed the perfect moment to construct a rebrand and get things going.
“With the board’s support, our chairperson Mrs (Christina) Hudson, my support and the clubs liaising with us. With the support of the JFF and the clubs at large and the respective stakeholders, I am confident we can hit the ground [running],” she commented.
She admitted that the demands on the clubs, who are being asked to make the overnight step-up into professional football, might be a bit overwhelming. However, she said they will do all they can to make the transition as smooth as possible for each club.
“As the general manager, my role is to ensure all teams comply, meet standards, meet deadlines, and understand that deadlines are key and critical in terms of complying and organising themselves and finding structure. We have a platform where clubs can reach out with any questions through our competitions department and the relevant support will be given to them,” she said.
Following a high-profile launch recently, the JWPL is scheduled to kick off on March 1, with 11 teams down to contest the season.
Frazsiers Whip of St Catherine are the defending champions.