The Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL) successfully hosted its first capacity-building workshop on Sunday, May 18, marking a major step forward in its commitment to holistic player development within the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).

The virtual session welcomed over 100 participants, including players and club officials from across the league. The inaugural workshop, the first in a planned series, focused on scouting and what scouts look for in emerging talent.

It was led by Allana “Ace” Francis Ashmeil, a UEFA licensed coach, English FA scout, academy founder, and proud Jamaican descendant, who brought deep insights from her professional playing and coaching career in the UK.

“This is only the beginning,” said Christina Hudson, chairperson of the PWFJL. “Our league is not just about matches on the pitch; it’s about ensuring our players are equipped to succeed on and off the field. This session delivered practical tools and invaluable knowledge to help our players grow as professionals.”

Ace delivered an inspiring and interactive session, sharing her personal football journey, while demystifying how scouting operates within the England Women’s Talent Pathway. She emphasised the importance of coachability, resilience, tactical awareness, and presence, especially off the ball; and urged players to stay ready for unexpected opportunities.

“Success is not accidental,” Ace told participants. “It’s built on sacrifice, hard work, and continuous learning. Whether you play for your school or a top club, scouts are evaluating your mindset, work ethic, and how you respond to adversity.”

The session featured a dynamic Q&A segment, with participants engaging in thoughtful discussion around rebuilding confidence during performance slumps, key traits scouts value beyond technical ability and the qualities that set Manchester City striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw apart on the international stage and pathways for Jamaica-based players to pursue coaching licences abroad.

JWPL player Sacha-Gay Brown of Arnett Gardens FC, who was actively engaged throughout the session, shared her appreciation.

“I think it was a needed workshop that was well put together. The information that was given seemed to open up the minds of players that probably wanted answers or be offered reassurances on how to take their careers to another level — whether playing professionally overseas, going to college, know what scouts are looking for, or even going the coaching route in football,” said Brown.

“I’m truly grateful for Ace and Ms Chistina for taking the time to conduct this workshop. I hope to utilise some of the opportunities shared,” Brown added.

Hudson closed the session by reaffirming the league’s commitment to empowering its athletes: “We promised a different approach to women’s football and this is it. These

workshops are about more than sport. They’re about personal branding, life skills, and building careers both within and beyond the game.”

Upcoming sessions in the capacity-building series will cover personal branding, media training, social media management, financial literacy, and life after football – all designed to support JWPL players in becoming well-rounded professionals.