Cavalier FC Chairman Ryan Foster (left) greets Argentine football great Lionel Messi (right) as Argentina ambassador to Jamaica Marcelo Balbi Calvo (second left) and Jamaica's Minister of Sport Olivia Grange (patially hidden) look on shortly after the Inter Miami club team arrived at Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Cavalier chairman sees endless opportunities from ‘massive’ Concacaf Cup run
Chairman of Cavalier FC Ryan Foster has reflected on what he described as a momentous occasion for Jamaican football, as his club faced Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup last week at the National Stadium.
Despite suffering a 0-4 aggregate defeat, Foster says that the match was far more than just a scoreline, it was a defining moment for the nation’s footballing aspirations.
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“The game was massive for Jamaica’s football because it was the biggest club game ever played in the country,” Foster stated.
He highlighted the historic nature of the event, which saw Cavalier competing against some of the world’s best, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, two of football’s most iconic names.
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“We will ensure that the gains from this experience will be reinvested in the club to ensure the continued sustainability in nurturing and developing talent not only to be competitive, but also to be marketed in a way that allows us to export such talent,” he said.
Cavalier lost the second leg 0-2 at National Stadium in front of approximately 35,000 people who came out.
Foster stressed that Cavalier’s vision extends beyond domestic success and that the club is determined to establish itself as a dominant force in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) while also proving that Jamaican teams can compete on an international level.
“This is important as it not only allows the club to earn from gate receipts from these games but also provides our players with opportunities to be transferred to other clubs. The revenues from these transfers, along with increased sponsorships from corporate companies, will strengthen our financial standing,” he explained.
The chairman expressed hope that the success of hosting such a high-profile match would solidify relationships with corporate sponsors. “The commercial impact from yesterday was iconic for all our partners, and we hope this will enable us to continue securing sponsorships.”
Beyond Cavalier FC, Foster pointed out that there is broader benefit for Jamaica as a footballing destination.
“Successfully hosting such a big game showcases Jamaica as a hub for high-profile matches. We have the expertise to organise and monetise such events, which is crucial given that local clubs cannot survive solely on funds from the JPL. We must find creative ways to monetise our brands,” he noted. Cavalier are the reigning JPL champions.
Foster says that one of Cavalier’s primary goals is to establish a permanent home venue while fully developing its academy. “A home ground will give us stability, and an enhanced academy will allow us to nurture young talent with the expertise we possess.”
“For Jamaica’s football to develop, all stakeholders must continue to work together. What we achieved yesterday [Thursday] transcends football. That night will forever be etched in our memories, not only because a small club like Cavalier SC packed the National Stadium, but because Brand Jamaica was on full display.”
He also reaffirmed the club’s commitment to reinvestment and growth, crediting the leadership of its Technical Director Rudolph Speid. “With a TD like Speid, who is second to none, we will continue to grow.”
