The Seychelles Women's League: a structure for women's football

WSC: What is the demand for female football provision in the Seychelles? And what opportunities are there for players outside of the women’s league?

CY-A: The demand is growing — especially from younger girls. At school level, we see a lot of interest, and we’re trying to ensure that doesn’t drop off due to a lack of options later on. The Women’s League is just the start. We also have U17 and senior national teams in training, and we’re developing more community-based initiatives.

Outside the league, we’re encouraging more regional tournaments, female-led coaching and refereeing, and youth hubs — all of which feed into a broader ecosystem for girls and women in football.

WSC: How many teams/players have been involved in the inaugural season?

CY-A: We had six teams registered for our first season, which ran from September 2024 to May 2025. It was a full round-robin league, and we finished strong with a prize presentation on 30 May 2025. Mont Fleuri Rovers FC were crowned champions, followed by Marine Victoria City FC and Young Kestrels in second and third place respectively. We also recognised individual excellence with awards like Top Scorer, Best Player, Best Coach, and more.

WSC: What have some of the challenges been in getting the league started and running it during the first season?

CY-A: Oh, there were plenty of challenges — as expected with anything being built from the ground up. Logistically, we faced limitations with access to venues, transport coordination, and match scheduling. We also had to create or adapt systems that hadn’t previously existed for women’s football here — everything from registration to officiating protocols.

But beyond the logistics, one of the biggest hurdles was changing mindsets. Some people didn’t think a women’s league was “worth it” — but now they’ve seen the passion, and the talent. That alone makes every struggle worth it.

WSC: What are the future plans for the development of the league?

CY-A: We’re definitely thinking long-term. We want to expand the league — possibly adding a youth category or a second division. However, our short-term goal is to ensure sustainability and growing the number of teams participating in the league.

Coaching education for women is a big priority too — we need to build capacity not just on the pitch, but in the leadership of the game. And, as mentioned, most importantly, we want to make the league sustainable — with better funding, stronger community partnerships, and a growing network of support that keeps the momentum going.

WSC: Any final thoughts or messages?

CY-A: This league is more than a competition. It’s a movement. It’s proof that girls in Seychelles can dream of being footballers, leaders, coaches — and that there’s space for them in this game. We may be a small island nation, but we are not to be overlooked. Talent lives here. Passion lives here. And just like anywhere else in the world, our girls deserve the chance to dream, to develop, and to shine. 

Everyone deserves that — no matter where they come from. And we’re committed to making sure that opportunity exists for every girl who laces up her boots and believes in the power of the game. The Seychelles Women’s League is just the beginning, and I’m so proud to be part of this chapter in our football story.