Rousseau Primary claim Scotiabank Kids Championships

Rousseau Primary crowned themselves as 2026 national champions of the Scotiabank Kids Championship after dethroning defending champions Corinaldi Avenue Primary 2-0 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time at Wespow Park in St James on Sunday.

The 12-year-old tournament is held in multiple markets across Scotiabank's footprint, originally in Latin America. 

In dramatic fashion that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Corinaldi took the lead courtesy of an own goal by Rousseau’s goalkeeper Dejorn Williams. Cashmere Martin doubled the lead for Corinaldi.

Trailing 2-0 did not sit well with Rousseau as Dominic Forbes leapt highest to head one in. Forbes then completed a brace to force the game into penalties.

The 2026 champions showed nerves of steel in the penalty shoot-out to convert their chances while denying Corinaldi the championship crown, capping off an impressive campaign.

Last year, Jamaica became the first English-speaking Caribbean territory to host the championship, involving 480 students from across the country.

The competition is gender-inclusive, with teams of four boys and four girls.

Deleen Powell, public affairs and communications manager with Scotia Group, said the bank plans to expand the programme to other Caribbean countries.

“The truth is we impact communities in many different ways, and sport is a very big part of what we do. We know we understand that particularly in Jamaica, football is something that's very important,” said Powell

“We do currently have lots of programmes that involve sports in our other countries, particularly in the central Caribbean such as Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Cayman Islands,” added Powell.

Devon Smith, head coach of Rousseau, expressed pride in his team's resilience, noting they came back from a deficit to tie the game.

“My team is a never-say-die team and showcased their never-give-up attitude. We are fighters from start to finish, and our aim was to outscore them. We fought, got the equaliser, forced penalties, and won it all,” said Smith.

In the regional competition, Rousseau defeated defending champions Mona Heights Primary 3-2 to emerge as Surrey Champions.

Forbes won the Most Valuable Player award.

“The game came with a lot of pressure, but I am used to it because I play in a lot of competitions. The tournament is beneficial to us, and I hope Scotiabank continues with it even though myself and some teammates won’t be there next year,” said Forbes.

In the semi-finals, Rousseau defeated Greater Portmore Primary 5-3 to advance to the finals while Corinaldi beat Balmagie Primary 3-1.

Williams won the top goalkeeper award, Tyler Gordon from Greater Portmore grabbed the golden boot, and Balmagie won the Fair Play award.

Rousseau look ahead to the international championship, which is to be announced at a later date.