A new era has dawned on Jamaican women's football, and Christina Hudson, Chairperson of the recently formed Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL), is at the forefront, spearheading a movement poised to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights.

Hudson and her team are charting a bold course for the development of women's football across the island, which they launched on Wednesday with the rebranded Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).

The season, set for a March 1 start, will see 11 teams from across Jamaica battle for supremacy and the coveted opportunity to represent the nation in the Concacaf Women’s Championship.

Hudson, a businesswoman and philanthropist, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As an executive for the Stewarts Automotive Group, General Manager of Automotive Art Jamaica, and co-founder and Chair of the Kind Hearts Foundation, she is no stranger to leadership. However, her decision to take on the challenge of chairing PWFJL was fuelled by a deep love for her country and a desire to drive meaningful change in Jamaican women’s football.

KFC's Andre Roper in discussion with Shanice Stewart of Arnett Gardens.

Giving the significant backing so far, including a $2.5 million sponsorship from KFC, a government commitment of at least $3 million pledged by Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, and Hummel Jamaica stepping in as the official kit and equipment sponsor, she believes the league is well-positioned for success.

“After many discussions with Carlene Edwards and Rudolph Speid about whether or not I was truly the right person to take on this gigantic task, I stand before you driven by a deep love for my country and a vision to improve the lives of as many Jamaicans as possible,” Hudson declared during the launch at Jaguar’s Showroom on Arthur Wint Drive.

PWFJL has been entrusted by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to manage, commercialize, and develop the JWPL. With a board comprised of passionate professionals, including senior Reggae Girlz manager Crystal Walters, Hudson is confident in the league’s ability to thrive.

“Our mission at PWFJL is to drive transformational change by creating professional opportunities for female athletes. With guaranteed monetary support, we aim to nurture talent for overseas markets, increase local player participation, and transition more athletes into our national programme,” she shared.

Beyond the competition, Hudson pointed out that her team is dedicated to capacity-building initiatives designed to empower women in football.

“In partnership with Concacaf, we have already launched the B-licensed coaching course for female coaches and men specifically coaching women’s teams. Throughout the season, PWFJL will also offer workshops focused on improving club governance and individual player development, such as financial literacy and media training,” Hudson explained.

She also welcomed Hummel Jamaica’s partnership, which further bolsters the league’s infrastructure, as clubs are set to receive essential gear to ensure a high level of professionalism. This includes home and away kits, training balls, match balls, goalkeeper gloves, and training equipment.

Hudson urged players and coaches to make the most of the opportunity.

“Every match is an opportunity to showcase your talent, build your reputation, and demonstrate why women’s football in Jamaica deserves equal investment and support. Respect your sponsors, honor your commitments, and give your very best,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Olivia Grange reinforced the government’s commitment to gender equality in football as she announced equal financial support for the women’s league as received by the men.

“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to nurturing women’s football and providing necessary support to players and clubs. By investing in the league, businesses have a unique opportunity to align themselves with a cause that transforms lives and shapes the future of women’s football in Jamaica,” Grange stated.

JFF’s Chairperson for Women’s Football, Elaine Walker-Brown, echoed similar sentiments, as she too stressed the significance of this milestone for women’s football in Jamaica.

“I challenge our ladies to continue being icons and beacons of inspiration. Play hard, play fair, and market Jamaica’s women’s football brand with pride,” Walker-Brown said.

Along with reigning champions Frazsiers Whip, the season will see Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier FC, UWI Women’s FC, WI-FI United (Portland), Proven Girls FC (St. Thomas), Mile Gully FC and Los Perfectos FC (Manchester), Federal United (St Catherine), as well as Springers and Real Mobay FC (St James) vying for top honours.

-Photos: Jhon-Marc Prince and Andre Lumsden.