Panama Championship. Third League
The Panama Football Championship's Third League, or Liga 3 de Fútbol de Panamá, is a grassroots tier in the nation's football pyramid. It features amateur and semi-pro clubs from across Panama, providing a vital stage for emerging talents and regional enthusiasts. Launched in 2021 as part of a structural overhaul, it aims to broaden the competitive base and nurture football at every level.
History and foundation
Panama's Third League was born from efforts to decentralize football beyond Panama City. Prior to 2021, focus was on LPFP and select lower tiers, but Liga 3 integrated provincial sides. CAI La Chorrera claimed the inaugural 2021 title and ascended. A highlight: the 2022 thriller between San Francisco FC B and Herrera FC ended 8:7 after extra time, a goal-fest record. The league adapted to COVID protocols and grew to 12 teams by 2023.
Tournament format
The tournament uses a two-phase format. Teams split into West and East groups for round-robin play (5-6 matches each), followed by playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, and final among group toppers. Winners earn promotion to the Second League (LNPF) and the league cup. Games occur on modest regional grounds holding 1-5k fans, spanning March to November.
Interesting facts
Scoring is brisk here, averaging 3.2 goals per game—higher than top flights due to end-to-end action. In 2023, Jose Rodriguez of CAI led with 19 goals, trailed by Enrique Perez of UMECIT (16). Standouts include veteran Ricardo Henniger from Second League ranks and prodigy Diego Martinez, 19, from San Miguelito with 12 early-career strikes. The league has fed talents to LPFP.