CHAIRWOMAN OF the Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL), Christina Hudson, said the recent Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) season has opened the door to several overseas opportunities.
With Frazsiers Whip retaining their third consecutive national title over the weekend, Hudson declared the PWFJL’s inaugural season a resounding success.
The organisation, charged with the development of the local league, was formed earlier this year as a part of a major rebranding effort for the JWPL.
Hudson, upon reviewing her first season as chairwoman, said they far exceeded their early expectations.
“I think we did an amazing job,” she told The Gleaner. “The exposure that we were able to get for the players, the improved game-day executions, the sponsorships, the visibility; I think that it far exceeded our expectations in the first year.
“I’m very excited to see what we can actually accomplish next year now that we have more time to plan, especially coming off a really great season.”
One of the major success stories for the PWFJL has been its ability to livestream selected games on a weekly basis throughout the competition.
Hudson explained that partnering with Sora Media Productions allowed players to better market themselves to scouts by providing live game footage.
“Really, we’re proud of the visibility. With our streaming partner Sora Media, we were able to do livestreaming for some of the games.
“But it was not just about getting the games shown live. What we have seen is that players can actually go back to those highlights and they can get clips of themselves to share with potential scouts.”
This increased visibility has produced a real impact, with Hudson confirming several players have received scholarship offers based on their performances this season.
“I think the importance of the visibility cannot be overstated. It is really something special that hasn’t been done before in the Women’s Premier League and it has had a really amazing impact,” she said.
“We have had reports of scouts from overseas universities watching the games live, going back and reviewing highlights. So this exposure and visibility of players have had real-life impact. We’re seeing more players being offered scholarships and being seen by potential overseas partners.”
Hudson said the league is compiling the total number of athletes who have been offered scholarships, which is set to be announced in short order.
The success from the PFJL’s first season has also brought further motivation for the league and its stakeholders as they begin preparations for the next season.
Though unable to give a start date, Hudson said the upcoming season is expected to begin in November later this year.
“We’re jumping right back into planning for the next season. We haven’t confirmed the date, but we should be starting in November or December later this year.
“We don’t have much time to rest, so it’s about going back out there, engaging with our sponsors and various stakeholders to start in time for next season.”
In the final on Saturday, Frazsiers Whip retained their title through a brace each from Destiny Powell (5th minute, 90th+1) and captain Davia Richards (12th, 52th).
Tamara O’Sullivan (15th) pulled one back for the beaten finalists, but it proved nothing more than a consolation effort.
The fixture was a replay of the 2023 final where Frazsiers Whip had claimed their first of three titles by clipping Cavalier 1-0.
In the earlier match of the afternoon, Arnett Gardens defeated Los Perfectos 3-1 to finish third in the JWPL.
