Elite League clubs to compete in revamped GFF Women’s Division One League

In a significant boost for women’s football in Guyana, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that all ten elite league clubs will participate in the second season of the Women’s Division One League.

This marks the first time every elite club will be represented in the competition, signalling a strong commitment to developing the female game.

The teams participating in the Elite League are: Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC,  Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence FC, Santos FC, Mondedderlust FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Den Amstel FC and Mainstay FC.

The GFF, in partnership with the Guyana Women’s Football Association (GWFA), unveiled an enhanced league on Wednesday, with a substantially increased prize pool of $3.7 million.

The winner will receive a $1 million top prize, followed by $500,000 for second place, $300,000 for third, and $100,000 for fourth.

A separate Cup phase will also offer significant rewards: $300,000 for the winner, $200,000 for the runner-up, $100,000 for third, and $50,000 for fourth.

Furthermore, each participating club will receive a training grant of $100,000.

The league, which kicks off on Friday, August 1, will adopt a 9v9 format instead of the traditional 11v11 and run for approximately four months in a single-round league.

This format is intended to provide more intense and competitive matches.

According to GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, the league is a crucial part of their preparation framework for selecting a national team to compete in the CONCACAF Women’s Championships in October and November.

These championships will also qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. Joseph emphasised that the current format aims to give local players the necessary exposure and competition to prepare them for international tournaments.

A loan system will be implemented to ensure maximum participation and competitiveness, allowing Elite League clubs without active female programmes to strengthen their squads.

A draft will be held, open to all female players nationwide, to facilitate this process.

Defending champions Guyana Defence Force Football and Guyana Police Force Football Club have already agreed to place players into the draft pool after finalising their initial rosters.

GFF Third Vice-President Dion Innis highlighted FIFA’s substantial support for the league, which has contributed G$9.5 million.

He also noted the positive impact of the FIFA Football For School Programme, which has led to more trained female coaches in schools, and cited the Blue Water Shipping Girls U-15 tournament as another vital source of emerging talent.