GFF launches second Women’s Elite League with major upgrades and impressive $1M cash prize

Jul 03, 2025 Sports

Kaieteur Sports- The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially launched the second installment of its Women’s Division 1 League, unveiling an upgraded and rebranded competition that aims to revolutionize women’s football in the country. The new season, now dubbed the GFF Women’s Elite League, brings a host of exciting changes, most notably the integration of female teams under the banners of the nation’s 10 existing men’s Elite League clubs.

This structural transformation represents a major step forward for the sport, as it aligns the women’s game more closely with the country’s top football institutions. To support this shift, the GFF has introduced a draft and loan system, ensuring each team will have a full 15–player squad ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.

GFF launches second Women’s Elite League with major upgrades and impressive $1M cash prize

GFF officials share photo with a few team representatives at the launch of the second edition of the Women’s Senior League.

“For this tournament, we are going to have, for the very first time, a loan system in place,” said Bryan Joseph, GFF’s Technical Director. “Clubs such as the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force can loan players to other Elite League clubs. The hope is that, by the end of the tournament, those clubs without an active women’s programme will be motivated to start one.”

In addition to the loan system, the GFF will host an open nationwide draft, allowing any female footballer across Guyana to register and be considered for selection. This inclusive approach aims to tap into the widest possible pool of talent, regardless of location or club affiliation.

“We want the best local talent to be part of this League,” Joseph added. “This is about providing exposure and real competitive experience that will help our players prepare for the upcoming CONCACAF W Qualifiers and Championship scheduled for later this year. That tournament is also a gateway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”

Bryan Joseph, GFF Technical Director.

The newly formatted league will run over a four-month period and will consist of a single-round format, followed by a Knockout Cup competition.

Beyond the structural changes, the GFF has also significantly raised the stakes in terms of prize money. Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson highlighted the symbolic importance of the financial incentives.

“This expansion is not just historic in scope, it is deeply symbolic of opportunity, progress, and belief,” Johnson said. “More girls will now have the chance to play more matches in a competitive, structured environment.”

The prize structure includes a record-breaking $1 million first-place prize for the league champion, followed by $500,000 for second place, $300,000 for third, and $100,000 for fourth. The Cup phase will also reward top performers, with $300,000 for the winner, $200,000 for the runner-up, $100,000 for third place, and $50,000 for fourth. All top teams will receive trophies and medals.

The launch of the Women’s Elite League is seen as a pivotal moment in the GFF’s broader strategy to develop the women’s game and ensure Guyana’s competitiveness on the international stage.

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active women’s programme, Elite League clubs., football institutions, GFF Women’s Elite League, GFF’s Technical Director

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