Thu | May 2, 2024

Back together again

Sherwin Williams returns as JWPL sponsor after near-decade-long absence

Published:Wednesday | February 14, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Elaine Walker-Brown (right), chair of the JFF Women’s Football Committee, chats with Christopher Williams, chair of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited at the Jamaica Football Federation’s JWPL press launch at the JFF Office on St Lucia Avenue in
Rudolph Brown
Elaine Walker-Brown (right), chair of the JFF Women’s Football Committee, chats with Christopher Williams, chair of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited at the Jamaica Football Federation’s JWPL press launch at the JFF Office on St Lucia Avenue in New Kingston yesterday.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS, long-time sponsor of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL), will return to take up the mantle for the 2024 season scheduled to kick off this Saturday with 10 teams.

Sherwin Williams has been the only corporate sponsor the league has ever had, supporting it for 14 seasons, until the partnership ended in 2015.

However, after nearly a decade without a replacement, the paint giant has returned. Sherwin Williams’ 180 was announced at yesterday’s launch of the JWPL at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) office.

JFF president Michael Ricketts said his organisation was delighted to have Sherwin Williams back on board.

“Sherwin Williams and Ian Forbes have been the most important pioneers for women’s football, along with people like Elaine [Walker-Brown] and Jean Nelson.

“We are just very happy to have Sherwin Williams back as sponsor. We are very delighted,” he said.

Although the details of the sponsorship were not disclosed at yesterday’s launch, Ricketts promised that there will be an announcement shortly.

“The details will be announced soon but we have confirmed that Sherwin Williams is back,” he stated.

Chairman of women’s football at the JFF, Walker-Brown, commended Sherwin Williams for helping to lay the foundations of women’s football and was elated to have the group back for a second stint.

“I am so happy for Sherwin Williams to come back. They have helped women’s football so well and helped us getting a team to the World Cup.

“I don’t think we have shown how appreciative we are for what they have done for us.

“This is one of the companies that have stuck with us and stood by us through thick and thin. I am so thankful for Sherwin Williams coming on board.

“They have helped us to reach where we are and will speak with them to go into the grassroots level and highlight them. But I am really happy,” she said.

Ten teams are down to contest the league, which kicks off on February 17. The Gleaner understands that Waterhouse were left out after registering late but were still seeking to participate.

The participating teams include defending champions Frazsier’s Whip, beaten finalists Cavalier, Rangers, Real MoBay, Springer, Arnett Gardens, Proven (formerly Baptiste Alliance), Royal Lakes, Vere, and Mile Gully.

There will also be a knockout competition that will take place throughout the course of the season.

Teams will play each other home and away over two rounds, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.

Guest speaker, Allie McNab, said the Sherwin Williams Women’s League will once again be the driving force behind the women’s game locally.

“I have absolutely no doubt that this women’s league will be the catalyst that propels the women’s game to greater heights. But it is the support that is necessary to be given for this to happen,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com