WITH the 2024-25 season of the Youth Football League’s Junior Cup under way and the Montego Bay leg set to take place at WesPow Park on October 5, tournament organiser Paula Pinnock says new strategies have been implemented to deal with the growth the competition has seen since its start in 2022.

With the addition of several new schools, including Lannaman’s Preparatory School, organisers say this season promises to be more competitive than ever.

“We are excited to see what will unfold this season, with new teams and heightened competition,” Pinnock said. “Grass roots football is key to the development of football in Jamaica — and this tournament continues to provide a platform for young talent to thrive.

To ensure fair play and smooth execution the Junior Cup will introduce pre-event meetings with coaches and referees, ahead of each tournament, to outline rules and the match day registration process. This initiative, organisers say, reflects their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport while fostering a competitive yet supportive environment for young athletes.

Pinnock says, “As the tournament grows we are thrilled to have the continued support of our long-standing sponsors Jamaica National, ICWI, The Gleaner, FYI Consultancy Group, Funland Jamaica, and Pepsi. We also welcome our newest sponsor, Jason Spraggs Insurance Agency Inc, a State Farm agency from the Diaspora whose support underscores the growing reach and impact of youth football in Jamaica.”

However, the competition is still seeking a major cash sponsor.

“This is to assist with the tournament’s execution and to potentially reduce participation costs for schools,” Pinnock said. “As we continue to expand our reach we encourage sponsors and donors to come on board and help us sustain the high standard of the competition.

The tournament will also have its Manchester leg at Kirkvine Sports Club on October 12. The all-island finals, which were held in Manchester in 2023, will return to Kingston in December 2024.

This season will also mark the return of the Girlz Can Play Too initiative in January 2025, following what was regarded to be a successful launch last season. This all-girls tournament will be open to schools, clubs, and academies — further expanding opportunities for young female footballers across the island.

The Junior Cup is the only private grass roots football tournament that spans four parishes across Jamaica, making it a national event.

“Our goal is to reach as many young players as possible, allowing them to develop their skills and showcase their talent,” Pinnock said. “While the U11 tournament is exclusive to schools, the January 2025 event will welcome clubs and academies, broadening the field for even more young players to participate.