All set for fourth staging of YFL’s Junior Cup U11

The Youth Football League (YFL) officially launched the fourth staging of its Junior Cup under-11 competition yesterday, with managing director Paula Pinnock highlighting the tournament’s role in shaping the next generation of Jamaican footballers while celebrating the power of sport to transform lives.

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate football but also to recognise the power of sport to transform lives, build communities, and create opportunities for the next generation of Jamaican athletes,” Pinnock said at the launch, which was held at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) office in New Kingston.

The event was particularly special for Pinnock, who reflected on years of involvement in football at various levels, but she noted the pride of now leading her own initiative.

“This launch is extra sentimental for me. I have been here as a sponsor of the JFF next to Captain Horace Burrell and Horace Reid, as a sponsor of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) next to the Hon. Edward Seaga, as head of the organising committee for the Gold Cup next to President Michael Ricketts, hosting weekly press conferences for the JPL during a very interesting COVID season, but never for my own initiative, and so I thank you General Secretary Roy Simpson. It is a pleasure to once again be working with you,” she said.

“The Youth Football League has grown into one of Jamaica’s premier grass-roots initiatives, staging four tournaments annually, reaching children across Jamaica, and giving boys and girls the chance to play, learn, and dream,” Pinnock said.

Drawing on her recent travels across Europe, Pinnock stated the need for Jamaica to strengthen its grass-roots development if it is to compete on the world stage.

JUNIOR TRAINING

“I saw six-year-olds training in state-of-the-art facilities, learning the game with consistency and discipline. That’s where the next English Premier League and La Liga stars are being made, and this is where Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz should start at the grass-roots level and exactly why this league exists.”

The Junior Cup remains unique in its co-ed format, where boys and girls from primary and prep schools play together. This year, the competition will return to its 2022 format with urban and rural championships, with the top six teams advancing to the all-island finals. The competition is scheduled to kick off on October 4 in Kingston, with the Manchester leg commencing on October 11, with the all-island final scheduled for October 18. Hillel Academy are the defending champions.

Beyond the competition itself, Pinnock pointed to the importance of investing in the people who keep the game alive.

“Coaches are the backbone of this game, and it is time we reward them for their effort,” she said. Pinnock stated that for the first time, the winning coach will also receive a cash prize, alongside recognition for referees while noting that the YFL has also tied its efforts to educational advancement, partnering with the Pocket Rocket Foundation to provide scholarships.

Last year’s $100,000 scholarship was awarded to Balmagie’s Damarie Palmer, now attending Glenmuir High School.