Marlo Sweatman: From Reggae Girl to Rising Sports Leader
Former Reggae Girl Marlo Sweatman has recently wrapped up an inspiring visit to Jamaica, but this time, she wasn’t on the pitch. Instead, she was diving deep into the world of sports management as part of the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) Master’s programme in International Sports Management. Stationed at the Mount Pleasant Football Academy in St Ann, Sweatman embraced her role as an Elite Athlete Scholar, focusing on media and fan engagement.
“I’m helping in the section of media and fan engagement—looking at what they have in place now and, from our studies, how we can help,” Sweatman shared during her time at the academy. Her mission was clear: to analyze the club’s current strategies while also learning from the dedicated staff and vibrant community around her. “It’s really a two-way street,” she added, highlighting the collaborative spirit of her immersion.
Known for her pivotal role in Jamaica’s historic qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sweatman is now stepping into a new chapter of her career. “I’m normally on the player side,” she reflected. “So to step off the field and look at football—especially in Jamaica—from the business side like administration, social media, and fan engagement… it’s been really eye-opening and enjoyable.”
The atmosphere at Mount Pleasant has been nothing short of welcoming. “Just being on the premises, the respect is there. Everyone’s very well-behaved, and we’ve been welcomed with open arms by the staff and the community. It’s been great,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment in her learning journey.
Sweatman’s return to Jamaica is not just about personal growth; it aligns with her broader ambition to contribute to football development in her home country. “My goal is to develop football in any way I can and make a positive impact. The best would be for Jamaica, but you never know where your path can take you,” she noted, showcasing her commitment to the sport and her roots.
In addition to her current studies, Sweatman has also earned her UEFA Scouting Licence in 2024, marking her continued evolution in the football world. “The objective of this course is to learn more about the opportunities off the field. I want to figure out where I can make the most impact—whether that’s in scouting, media, administration… I don’t know yet,” she explained. “But that’s the beauty of this course—I get to see a little bit of everything and figure out where the path leads.”
As she prepares to leave Jamaica, Sweatman’s journey is far from over. With her unique blend of on-field experience and academic ambition, she is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sports. What will her next chapter hold? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Marlo Sweatman is a name to watch as she transitions from player to leader in the beautiful game.
As she departed the island on March 26, 2025, the question lingered: How will her experiences shape the future of football in Jamaica and beyond?