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History and Structure
Established in the 1920s, the league has evolved over the decades. In the 1950s, only two clubs remained—the Rangers and the Rovers. In 1984, these clubs were renamed the Garrison Gunners and the Woolpack Wanderers, which are their current names.
The league operates during the winter months, from October to March or April, with each team playing against the other between 14 and 20 times per season. Matches are typically held on Sundays at the Garrison football field on St. Mary's Island. The season begins with the Charity Shield, followed by league matches and cup competitions such as the Wholesalers Cup and the Foredeck Cup.
Player Selection and Community Involvement
At the start of each season, team line-ups are determined through a draft system conducted at a local pub. Two captains select players one by one, fostering community engagement and ensuring balanced teams.
Challenges and Recognition
The league faces challenges due to the islands' small population and geographical isolation, which can make it difficult to attract and retain players. Despite these challenges, the league has garnered international attention. In 2008, Adidas featured the league in its "Dream Big" campaign, bringing football legends like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Patrick Vieira to the islands.