KINGSTON, Jamaica — Managing Director of the FYI Consultancy Group, Paula Pinnock, has launched the Youth Football League’s Inaugural “Girlz Can Play Too” Under-13 five-a-side football competitions.

According to a release on Saturday, the tournaments, with title sponsor Kemtek at the helm, will be staged across three parishes – Kingston (April 20th), Manchester (April 27th) and Drax Hall in St Ann on May 4th.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural “Girlz Can Play Too U-13 5v5 Tournament. This groundbreaking event aims to promote gender inclusivity and nurture the talent of young female footballers across the island,” said Pinnock.

“The tournament, an extension of the highly successful Junior Cup series, seeks to provide a platform where young female footballers can showcase their skills, build confidence, and inspire others to pursue their passion for the sport” Pinnock added.

Meanwhile, Kemtek’s Director of Administration and Special Projects, Karl Tulloch, pointed out that his organisation was extremely happy to partner with FYI in fostering inclusivity in sports for talent development, community development and empowerment.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Youth Football League for the Girlz Can Play Too U-13 5v5 Tournament. This event not only provides a platform for young female footballers but also aligns with Kemtek’s commitment to gender inclusivity and community development,” he pointed out.

The event will be staged multiple times annually, with plans to secure endorsements from corporate Jamaica. While the Kemtek sponsorship is restricted to this latest staging, Pinnock is hopeful that this will become a long-term partnership and that other corporate entities will be encouraged to come on board.

“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to Kemtek’s confirmation of a long-term partnership. We have been operating since 2022 and this is a major endorsement for us,” Pinnock reiterated.

The upcoming tournament will also feature an Under-7 and Under-9 tournament as part of the Junior Cup series. The last tournament was staged in January and featured Under-13 and Under-12 teams exclusively from primary and preparatory schools, clubs and academies from across Jamaica.