Youth Football League
Mighty Saints claim Junior Cup U11 all-island title
Published:Sunday | October 19, 2025 | 12:12 AMGregory Bryce - Staff Reporter
STS PETER and Paul Preparatory claimed the 2025 Youth Football League (YFL) Junior Cup U-11 All-Island title yesterday when they defeated Lannaman’s Preparatory 3-1 at the Constant Spring Sports Complex.
Sts Peter and Paul added to their YFL urban title, which they had won earlier this month, as goals from Jordan Burke (12th minute), Ajani Sharrier (18th) and captain Dejaun Samuels (32nd) saw them leaving as victors in the grand final.
Kristoff Duncan (28th) scored a consolation goal for Lannaman’s.
Kemar Edwards, head coach of Sts Peter and Paul, praised his players for their performances across the one-day competition.
They finished the group stage with a record of one win and one draw to advance to the knockout round.
In the quarter-finals, they defeated Creative Kids Learning Academy before taking down Reach Academy in the semi-finals en route to the final.
A ‘great performance’
Edwards said the team had played to his instructions and executed their game plan to perfection.
“It was a great performance today,” he said.
“They went out there and did what we instructed them to do. The boys, I just tell them to go out there and play like we normally train,” he continued.
“That is how we train, I let them know that they should let the ball do all the work. Pass when they get the opportunity and, when they get the opportunities in front of goal, they should make use of their chances.”
Sts Peter and Paul, known as the Mighty Saints, wasted little time getting into the game and immediately pressed Lannaman’s in the opening exchanges.
Burke opened the scoring for the Saints with a brilliant strike from the right wing that left the goalkeeper rooted.
They pressed their advantage and came close to their second in the 16th minute when Samuels’ well-driven effort from distance crashed off the post.
Sharrier doubled their lead two minutes later, reacting first to a loose ball in the box to slot home from close range.
Lannaman’s found their footing in the second half and came close to their first when Devoran Dixon’s header from close range whistled wide of the mark.
Duncan halved the deficit just before the half-hour mark, as his looping effort from distance was misjudged by the Saints’ goalkeeper.
However, Captain Samuels, the Saints’ midfield maestro, restored their two-goal lead against the run of play to secure the result.
Edwards praised the Junior Cup competition as an important platform for youth development and grassroots football.
The head coach explained it provides a competitive environment where he is able to develop the younger generation of talented footballers.
The Junior Cup is celebrating its fourth staging, and has seen a number of debutants from teams all across the island.
“It’s very important because we have younger players who we need to see in their positions and to fit in with a team and see who’s coming in,” Edwards explained.
“This tournament is very good for us. I don’t know about another person or any other teams, but it’s great for me, trust me.”