MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Eighty-eight schools, three more than last season, have indicated they will participate in the upcoming 2023 ISSA daCosta Cup season, it was announced at Wednesday’s annual meeting held at Manchester High in Mandeville.

The schoolboy football season is scheduled to kick off on September 9 but the organisers are still to announce where the official kick-off games will be played.

The Jamaica Observer understands that the Montego Bay Sports Complex is an option but the field is currently undergoing extensive repairs. The National Stadium in Kingston could be an option as well, by all indications.

Meanwhile, Discovery Bay High (STEM Academy) could make their first appearance in the competition and have been placed in Zone C, while another 11 schools that did not take part last season will make a return.

Cambridge High, Knockalva Technical, Newell High, Roger Clarke High, Cross Keys High, Knox College, Claude McKay High, Aabuthnott Gallimore High, Ferncourt High, Carron Hall High and Porus High are the schools expected to return to the competition.

Five schools, including former champions Herbert Morrison Technical who played last season, have not indicated their participation.

Hopewell High, Alston High, Oracabessa High and St Thomas Technical have not applied to be included.

Meanwhile, schools have until June 30th to withdraw without penalty; after this, if they decide to withdraw they could be hit with significant financial penalties.