Nineteen (19) teams will take up the challenge in what is expected to be a thrilling campaign in the 2012 Women’s League Football (Wolf), T&T’s top two women’s football leagues, when it kicks off on April 21.
The competition which did not come off in 2011 because of financial constraints, has increased its number of clubs, and will feature a premier division consisting of five teams, including reigning champions Real Dimension FC, Malick City FC, Trincity Nationals, Defence Force FC, and the University of the West Indies (UWI) FC.
The number of clubs competing has increased by six from 2010—the last time the league was challenged. Teams will also compete in a Big-Four tournament as well as an FA Competition, and a Zonal Classic competition, following the end of the league campaign.
The three First Division Zones, the East (Malabar Superstars, Tunapuna Titans, Arima Giants FC, St Augustine SC and Sweaters Touring Team) North (Step by Step FC, Queen’s Park FC, St Ann’s Rangers FC and Tobago All Stars) and South/Central (Debe High, Point Fortin Pioneers, Ministry of Sports School and St Mary’s Central Utd) will officially begin on April 21.
Some of T&T’s most prominent and upcoming women’s and girls’ football teams will be included, such as Secondary School’s Football League’s dominant force in the South Zone—Debe Secondary—and East Zone’s Tunapuna Titans. The North Zone will feature a Tobago All Stars team, which is expected to field some of the top women in Tobago’s football.
Real Dimension FC will kick off its campaign on the second week of competition against Trincity Nationals, in the quest for the grand prize of $12,000 and a challenge trophy, on May 18. On, May 11, the opening day of the Premier Division, Trincity Nationals will battle Defence Force, at the Eddie Hart Ground, Tacarigua.
The fixtures for the competition, were released at the launch of the Wolf 2012 campaign at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday.
During the launch, Director of Football and coach of the National Under-17 and Senior Women’s teams, Even Pellerud endorsed the competition, insisting that such leagues are pivotal in the development of a well-rounded women’s national team.
Pellerud noted with the absence of the league system, the scouting and selection of players through the schools’ system would have been insufficient in attaining the best quality athletes, who would not have otherwise been engaged in a competitive level of local football.
The opening of the league will take place at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, on Saturday, with a march pass of all teams and a seven-a-side tournament.
The league, which has struggled with finances for several years, is receiving assistance from its first ever sponsor in TT Pro League club North East Stars owner/ president Darryl Mahabir. Mahabir has expressed a passion for the development of football. He has pumped over $50,000 into the league, all of which will be used for cash prizes. The league’s president Sharon O’Brien has also prodded for further corporate assistance.
Prize Structure
Premier Division
1st - $12,000, challenge trophy and 25 gold medals.
2nd - $8,000 and 25 silver medals.
3rd - $5,000 and 25 bronze medals.
First Division
1st - $10,000, challenge trophy, 25 gold medals
2nd - $6,000 and 25 silver medals
3rd - $4,000 and 25 bronze medals
4th - $2,000 and 25 bronze medals
FA Competition
1st - $5,500, challenge trophy, 25 gold medals
2nd - $3,500 and 25 silver medals
Big Four Competition
1st - $4,000, challenge trophy, 25 gold medals
2nd - $3,000 and 25 silver medals
3rd - $2,000
4th - $1,000
Zonal Classic - $2,500, trophy and jerseys for winners
Individual Prizes
Most Goals
Premier Division - $500 and trophy
First Division - $500 and trophy
MVP
Premier Division- $500 and trophy
First Division- $500 and trophy
Best Goalkeeper
Premier Division- $500 and trophy
First Division- $500 and trophy
Coach of the Year
Premier Division- $1000 and trophy
First Division- $1000 and trophy