ORGANISERS are pleased with the outcome of their Girlz Can Play Too category during the Youth Football League Junior Cup last Saturday.

This is a girls-only division of the Junior Cup, put on to address concerns about a lack of female football being played at the grass roots level. With its addition, organisers say, “The tournament reached new heights, celebrating the diversity and skill within youth soccer.”

Reinas Academy defeated Ballaz Academy 2-0 in a display hailed for participants’ skills and determination, showcasing the power of female representation in football. Castleton Primary and Rousseau Primary were two of five other girls’ teams in the division but were the only two schools competing. Although this division was exclusive to girls, the boys’ teams in the other categories also featured females, as in previous seasons, to allow schools and academies without the resources to field full female teams a chance to give girls needed exposure.

“It’s heartening to witness girls taking their place on the field, not only in their designated category but also seamlessly integrating into predominantly boys’ teams,” Paula Pinnock, managing director of FYI Consultancy Group, a key sponsor, said. “It proved to be an exhilarating showcase of youthful talent, camaraderie, and inclusivity.

“We are deeply committed to nurturing grass roots football, and the turnout at the junior cup tournament reaffirms the passion and potential within our youth.”

Nugent Walker of Ballaz Blue stood out in the Under-9 category, taking the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Leading Goalscorer awards for his 11 goals. He led their unbeaten charge to the title in the 10-team section, and was instrumental in their 4-0 win against Rousseau Primary in the final.

Reinas Academy’s Tianna Grant was the star of Girls Can Play Too, taking their MVP and Top Goalscorer awards for her 10 goals.

Total Football Academy, Norbrook Strikers, Ballaz Academy, Praise Tab FA, Emmanuel Christian Academy, and Richmond FA were the seven teams contesting the Under-7 category. Emmanuel emerged champions after a series of intense matches; a 2-1 win over Richmond in the final showcased their exceptional teamwork and determination.

The teams were honoured with over 80 medals and trophies, acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication. Additionally, the top coaches in the Under-9 and Under-7 categories received a prize of $10,000 each, while the Girlz champions received gift vouchers valued at over $70,000 from Giscombe, for new kits.

“We extend our gratitude to our current sponsors and hope to inspire more to join us on this journey of unearth[ing] Jamaica’s future Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz,” Pinnock said.

The junior cup continues today with its Manchester leg.