Junior Cup fourth year a success

THE YOUTH Football League’s Junior Cup Urban Championship marked its fourth consecutive year with resounding success, hosting Jamaica’s largest one-day, single-age group football tournament at the Constant Spring Football Field.

The 2025 edition saw 18 schools compete in the under-11 division, uniting both primary and preparatory schools in a spirited display of grassroots football development.

This year’s competition featured a wave of new entrants, including Wolmer’s Prep, Creative Kids, Independence City Primary, and Naggo Head Primary, each bringing fresh energy and excitement to the tournament. Impressively, three of the first-time entrants advanced to the knockout stages, demonstrating the growing depth of youth football talent across Kingston and St Catherine.

The grand finale proved a thrilling rematch of last season’s Champions Cup final, with Balmagie Primary, once again facing Sts Peter and Paul Prep. This time, Sts Peter and Paul were determined not to be denied, claiming a 4–2 win to capture the Urban Championship title and start the 2025 school football season on a golden note.

“Each year, the Junior Cup grows stronger — more schools, more talent, more passion,” said Paula Pinnock, managing director of the Youth Football League.

“What we are witnessing is the foundation of Jamaica’s future football stars being laid right here. We’re proud to see new schools joining, players developing, and the level of competition rising. Our goal has always been to create access and opportunities for every child who loves the game,” she said.

The Youth Football League is sponsored by Kemtek, Gatorade Jamaica, The Gleaner, ICWI, Western Sports, Pure Water, FLOW, and FYI Consultancy Group.

Next up, the Rural Championship heads to Manchester on Saturday, October 11 at the Kirkvine Sports Complex, where schools from across central and western Jamaica will battle for their chance to reach the All-Island finals.

Registration remains open for last-minute entrants, and the top six teams from the Urban and Rural Championships will advance to the All-Island finals set for October 18 at the Constant Spring Football Field