Women’s Division One League: Victorious GDF team, other winners receive prizes

The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Women’s Football team was the centre of attention on Friday evening as the champions of the Women’s Division One League officially became the first women’s football team in Guyana to take home a $1M grand prize.
The GDF Women sealed their championship status in the league last Friday, in a thrilling 1-0 victory against their fiercest rivals, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women. Sandra Johnson’s left-footed strike into the right upper corner of the net was the difference maker between the two teams in the clash that ultimately decided the league winners.
GDF’s Women ended the competition with a perfect 27 points from nine games, with a goal difference that exceeded 140 goals. More importantly, the team’s strong defence and trusty goalkeeper did not concede any goals over the course of the competition.

Excelling in the competition, GDF Women were rewarded with a massive $1M grand prize, a first in women’s football history in Guyana.
Adding to their excitement, striker Sandra Johnson received the highest goal scorer award, netting a record 37 times across nine games. Johnson was also recognised as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Her teammate, Deena Fredericks, was recognised as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
During the presentation ceremony, President of the Women’s Football Association (WFA), Andrea Johnson, was on hand to assist in presenting the prizes to the successful teams, alongside General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Pushpargha Chattopadhyay.
Johnson stated, “The Guyana Football Federation Women’s Development League represents a transformative step toward advancing equality, opportunity, and excellence in the sport. Built on the principles of empowerment, inclusion, and performance, this league provides a structured pathway for female athletes to develop their skills, compete at high levels, and pursue professional careers in football.”

“Our mission is to nurture talent from the grassroots to the elite level, ensuring that every woman and girl with a passion for football has access to quality coaching, facilities, and competition. Through partnerships with local clubs, schools, and community organisations, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports both athletic and personal growth.
“This league is more than a competition; it is a movement to redefine the future of football. By investing in women’s development, we are investing in the sport’s long-term success, diversity, and global appeal. Together, we will build a legacy that inspires the next generation of female athletes to dream bigger, play harder, and lead with confidence,” Johnson further stated.
In second place, and receiving a $500,000 prize, was the GPF Women Football Club (FC). Third-place finishers Santos FC received $300,000, while fourth-place finishers Fruta Conquerors FC will pocket $100,000.
In other Women’s Division One news, Fruta Conquerors booked their spot in the semifinals of the Cup playoffs on Friday night, edging out Western Tigers FC, 1-0. Akilah Blucher netted the game-winner through a set piece in the 41st minute that was fumbled by Western’s keeper and made its way into the net.
The playoff semifinals are set for Friday, December 19. There, Santos will take on Police FC from 18:00h, after which Fruta Conquerors will battle GDF FC at 19:30h.