Cedella Marley, eldest daughter of reggae icons Bob and Rita Marley, recently visited St. Thomas for the Football is Freedom’s Meet and Greet hosted at Marley Natural. The event aimed to foster youth development through football (soccer), particularly empowering young women both on and off the field.
During her interview with the Source, Cedella reflected on the influence of her parents, emphasizing their belief in using talent to uplift and empower others. “Any gift, passion, or talent we have is most powerful when we use it for the benefit of more than ourselves,” she shared.
Reflecting on the journey of the “Reggae Girlz,” Cedella described the Jamaica women’s national football team as “the echelon of echelons” for their determination and success. Through the Bob Marley Foundation, in 2014, Cedella spearheaded fundraising efforts to resurrect the team, securing resources for training, travel, and essential needs. Motivated by her father’s passion for football and determination to uplift women’s sports, she took decisive action.
In honor of her father’s 80th birthday, Cedella highlighted in the interview the global celebration featuring a livestreamed choir of children singing Bob Marley’s songs. The Marley Natural store, which recently expanded to St. Thomas last year, hosted a local viewing party, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate the legendary musician’s enduring legacy. “My Daddy used to say, ‘My music will go on forever,’ and being here, we’re living and fulfilling those words,” Cedella noted.
The Football is Freedom initiative, which began in Jamaica, is dedicated to creating opportunities for young female football players across the Caribbean and diaspora. Cedella collaborated with the Lady Rovers Soccer Club and the USVI Football Federation to organize the clinic, which included training sessions for players in age groups 10-13 and 14-18. The event also featured a coaches’ seminar and a female empowerment workshop. “We have to empower our young ladies on and off the pitch,” Cedella emphasized.
College coaches from Colorado and Louisiana, along with Jamaica’s Shashana Campbell, led the training sessions, showcasing potential pathways to college education and careers in football. Cedella stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive ecosystem of qualified female professionals in football, including coaches, managers, trainers, doctors, and analysts. “Through Football is Freedom, they see themselves represented in all areas of football,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Cedella expressed pride in the growth of Football is Freedom, which has expanded beyond Jamaica to the U.S. Virgin Islands, with plans to reach other parts of the Caribbean and around the world. “This little idea I had in my head, using Daddy’s words as inspiration, has blossomed into something life-changing for a lot of girls,” she said.
Encouraging the young participants, Cedella urged them to fully embrace the opportunity: “Show up and show out. Keep your ears open, your hearts open, and just take it all in. We’re here for you.”
Football is Freedom not only nurtures athletic skills but also empowers young women to pursue their dreams, continuing the Marley family’s legacy of using talent as a force for positive change.
