With the Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL) spearheading the transformation of the rebranded Jamaica Women’s Premier League, Tatyana Black of Arnett Gardens and Zenesha Williams of Real Mobay FC are thrilled about the financial opportunities now available where players can finally benefit from playing the sport they love.
Under the leadership of businesswoman and philanthropist Christina Hudson, PWFJL’s mission is to drive transformational change by creating professional opportunities for female athletes, including financial support for players. The initiative also aims to strengthen club structures, nurture talent for overseas markets, increase local player participation, and transition more athletes into the national programme.
This shift has been welcomed by players, as the league has previously struggled with sponsorship issues, resulting in financial strain on clubs and a decline in participation.
Black, a seasoned midfielder, who previously played for the now-defunct Barbican Women’s outfit, expressed optimism about the league’s future, especially with the influx of significant sponsorships, including $2.5 million from KFC, a government commitment of at least $3 million pledged by Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, and official kit sponsorship from Hummel Jamaica.
“This is truly a turning point for women’s football in Jamaica. I am very elated to see so many corporate sponsors coming on board and the PWFJL focusing on ensuring a bright future for women’s football in the island and just looking forward to see how much better things will get from here,” Black told SportsMax.Tv during Wednesday’s launch at Jaguar’s Arthur Wint Drive Showroom.
Tatyana Black (right) with her Arnett Gardens teammate Shanice Stewart.
“For years, we’ve played with so much passion but little to no financial rewards. Now, with these sponsors backing us, we feel valued and motivated to perform at our best. But more than that, there is also the opportunity for players to possibly take their career to another level, so it’s a proud moment for me to be a part of this new chapter,” the diminutive player added.
Meanwhile, Williams, a defender for Real Mobay FC, shared Black’s sentiments, as she highlighted how the financial support will ease burdens on players and clubs alike.
“We’ve struggled for so long to balance football with other jobs just to make ends meet. Now, having financial support means we can focus on training and performing. It’s a step toward professionalism, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” Williams declared.
Corporate sponsors such as Sherwin Williams, Supreme Ventures, Wisynco through Wata and Powerade, TruShake, Valvoline, and the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation have also joined forces to ensure the league’s success.
PWFJL chair Christina Hudson.
As the players and clubs prepare for the new season, Hudson pointed out that hopes are high that this revitalized league will not only elevate the standard of women’s football in Jamaica but also secure a sustainable and prosperous future for its athletes.
“The PWFJL is here to support our clubs. Any money that we have at the end of this, which we hope to have, we’ll be pumping that back into the clubs. We did secure an amount from the JFF already that they’ll be contributing to each club, and I won’t disclose the amount just yet, but financially, we’re trying to support them from the beginnings,” she said.
The rebranded league, scheduled to kick off on March 1, will feature 11 teams from across Jamaica, including reigning champions Frazsiers Whip, 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), and Springers and Real Mobay FC (St James).