Here’s an overview of football (soccer) in Dominica, one of the island’s most popular sports:
Football in Dominica
Football is widely played across Dominica, especially among youth and in local communities. While the country has a modest presence on the international stage, it remains a passionate and growing sport.
1. Governing Body
- Dominica Football Association (DFA)
- Founded: 1970s
- Affiliated with:
- FIFA (since 1994)
- CONCACAF
- Caribbean Football Union (CFU)
- Headquarters: Bath Estate, Roseau
- Manages national teams, local leagues, coaching programs, and youth development.
2. National Team: Dominica Men’s Football Team
- Nickname: “The Nature Boys”
- FIFA Code: DMA
- Home stadium: Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau (capacity ~12,000)
- FIFA Ranking (2024): ~180–190 range
International Competitions:
- Participates in:
- FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- CONCACAF Nations League
- Gold Cup qualifiers
- Windward Islands Tournament
Best Performances:
- Regular participant in Caribbean Cup qualifiers
- Has yet to qualify for FIFA World Cup or CONCACAF Gold Cup
3. Domestic Leagues
Dominica Premier League
- Top-tier men’s football league in Dominica
- Organized by the DFA
- Features clubs like:
- Harlem United FC (one of the oldest and most successful)
- Bath Estate FC
- Sagicor South East FC
- WE United FC
Other Leagues & Competitions
- Division 1 (second-tier league)
- Women’s League (still growing)
- Youth leagues (U15, U17, U20)
- DFA Knockout Cup and other tournaments
4. Youth & Development
- DFA runs:
- Grassroots programs in schools and communities
- Coaching clinics supported by CONCACAF and FIFA
- Talent scouting for national teams
- Youth competitions foster rising talent
5. Women’s Football
- Growing but less developed than the men’s game
- Women’s national team competes in Caribbean and regional qualifiers
- DFA and CONCACAF have launched campaigns to increase female participation
6. Challenges
- Limited funding and sponsorship
- Infrastructure damaged by natural disasters (e.g., Hurricane Maria)
- Small player base compared to larger Caribbean nations
- Retention of talented players who migrate abroad
7. Notable Dominican Footballers
While Dominica has no internationally famous footballers yet, several have played in:
- Trinidad & Tobago Pro League
- Barbados Premier League
- U.S. college and semi-pro teams
8. Recent Football Events
- Dominica participated in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CONCACAF region (Round 1)
- Continued participation in CONCACAF Nations League
