Antigua and Barbuda has ushered in a transformative chapter for women’s football with the triumphant conclusion of the first-ever CAF/ABFA Women’s Premier League. This landmark initiative, a collaborative endeavor between the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) and the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), has successfully established a new competitive platform dedicated to female athletes.
The 2025 season culminated in a thrilling finale, crowning Empire Trendsetters FC as the inaugural champions. Wadadli United FC clinched the second-place position, with Cutting Edge FA securing a respectable third. The entire league was characterized by displays of exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and marked athletic development across all participating clubs.
Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized the league’s significance beyond the pitch. She stated that the partnership with the ABFA symbolizes a profound commitment to fostering progress and creating tangible opportunities for women and girls within the sporting arena, framing the league as a catalyst for social advancement.
The season’s excellence was further highlighted by individual accolades presented to standout performers:
* **Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper):** Anik Jarvis (Empire Trendsetters FC)
* **Golden Boot (Top Scorer):** Nafisa Quashie (Empire Trendsetters FC)
* **Best Defender:** Karmiellia Hughes (Empire Trendsetters FC)
* **Most Valuable Player (MVP):** Jada Benjamin (Wadadli United FC)
With the inaugural season now complete, organizers are already focusing on the future. The Foundation has announced its intent to review this year’s operations to identify enhancements, aiming to deliver an even more robust and impactful Season Two.
Gwendolyn Salmon, Senior Vice President of the ABFA, reflected on the historic achievement, expressing profound gratitude to the Calvin Ayre Foundation for its crucial investment. She credited this partnership as the driving force behind a historic milestone for the nation’s women’s football program, celebrating the new opportunities unlocked for players.