FIFA Consultant and Women’s Football Division Advisor Jose Andres Portabella believes the long-term growth of women’s football in Jamaica hinges on meaningful support for the Reggae Girlz in their bid to reach a third successive FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In less than four months, the national senior women’s team will take on Costa Rica in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf W Championship in Texas, USA, with victory securing a place in next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

It would continue a historic run for the team, which stunned the world at the 2019 tournament in France and the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Reggae Girlz’ Captain Khadija Shaw (left) celebrates after scoring her third goal against against Antigua and Barbuda during their Group B encounter at the National Stadium on April 10, 2026. At right is teammate Shania Hayles. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Despite their impressive performances over the past decade, the Reggae Girlz have struggled to attract consistent, lucrative sponsorship and sustained fan support, although more than 6,500 supporters turned out at the National Stadium for their 2-0 win over Guyana in April.

Portabella told the Jamaica Observer that stronger backing for the Reggae Girlz would not only boost the team’s success but also help drive the long-term development of the sport locally.

“I would love to see the whole country rally behind the Reggae Girlz. They have a beautiful opportunity to go three times in a row to a World Cup – that is special, it’s not every country that can say that. So I would love to see the Jamaican people come together and get behind the Reggae Girlz in a way that no one has ever seen before,” he said.

“If we see that, I think the Girlz will respond to the country in an amazing way, and it will inspire a completely new generation to really see the pathway to play football, to enjoy football and to one day excel in football at the global stage.”

Portabella was a key figure in helping the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to develop and launch its Women’s Strategic Plan, which outlines several key objectives to be achieved in the sport by 2031.

The world governing body is prepared to provide more than $41 million in funding to support JFF programmes focused on national teams, league and club development, as well as governance and leadership.

The Reggae Girlz starting 11 take a team photo ahead of their Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Dominica at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on November 29, 2025. (Photo: JFF)

Portabella believes Jamaica has the potential to build one of the best women’s football programmes, provided all stakeholders play their part.

“FIFA definitely sees Jamaica (with) huge potential in women’s football. Not only potential, but already a proven track record,” he said. “Your national teams have been spectacular at youth and senior level so we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Jamaica, for the players here, the clubs. Your women’s Premier League is continuing to grow in a fantastic way. The future is truly bright for them and at national team level as well.”

“It’s not only the success that you see from the players, but coaches, we want to see more women coaches out there. We want to see young kids participate in the sport at a grassroots level so I think the future is quite bright for Jamaica as a whole. The JFF and the Women’s Premier League need to continue to work together with their clubs, all stakeholders, to really take things to the next level.”

JFF Projects Committee Chairperson for Women’s Programmes Carlene Edwards, who also serves on FIFA’s Women’s National Competitions Committee, says improving the club system will also prove crucial in improving the sport.

“My greatest wish for women’s football is that we get it really to a professional level,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “I think based on the strategy, we are aiming to at least get to some sort of professionalism by 2031. With what Concacaf is now doing around club licensing, I think later this year we’re supposed to be seeing the rolling out of the women’s club licence and I believe that is one element to actually get our clubs at least to a level of professionalisation.”

“I believe as we transition in 2031, I’m hoping as well that our players can be paid some sorts, I think that would be the greatest wish.”

FIFA Consultant and Women’s Football Division Advisor Jose Andres Portabella (Photo: Garfield Robinson)