League football starting January 22

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has announced Sunday, January 22, 2023 as the start date for its men’s Premier League and Women’s League competition at the Wildey Turf. This will mark the return of league football since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

After a successful Men’s Republic Cup and Women’s Super League last month, the BFA premier leagues not only make a return, but also provide the opportunity for locally-based players to stake a claim for selection to the Barbados senior men’s national squad. The team will battle Cuba at home on March 23 and an away fixture against Antigua on March 26 in the forthcoming Concacaf Nations League (CNL).

Edwyn Wood, General Secretary of the BFA, said both the men’s and women’s domestic leagues, which will be played simultaneously, are integral parts of the island’s football calendar.

“After strategic organisation and planning, we are pleased to finally announce the restart of domestic league football in Barbados. Last month, we hosted the finals of the men’s Republic Cup and Women’s Super League which were two major successful tournaments. This is exciting news as we are fully aware that clubs have been training and eagerly waiting for the start of the new season.”

“We are looking forward to high quality football, which will help to develop our players as well as welcoming our fans back to the Turf. The Leagues are extremely important and will play a part in preparation for another year when our senior national teams will be in action.”

Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme are the defending men’s champion, while University of the West Indies Blackbirds women are the reigning queens.

The transfer window opens on January 1, 2023 and will close on January 21, 2023. (PR)