Andrew Edwards, chairman and technical director of Genesis Football Academy, says the first international edition of the Genesis Cup, the academy’s grass roots football tournament, was a resounding success.

The tournament, which was held at Manchester High School in Mandeville recently, featured 41 teams from 17 organisations, including from Trinidad and Tobago. The staging represented a significant milestone for the academy, which aims to become a regional force in football development.

Edwards highlighted the academy’s commitment to developing young talent and promoting the sport in the region.

“The idea was to add something different to the tournament by inviting teams from outside of Jamaica,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer.

“It was a huge success. It was our first time hosting an international tournament and all the teams entered had a great experience. The tournament exceeded our expectations and everyone showed appreciation for the tournament.”

Amare Edwards (right), captain of theGenesis Football Academy Under-12 team, battles a Redemption player during the semi-finals

The teams competed across six age categories: Under-8 co-ed, Under-10 co-ed, Under-12 co-ed, Under-14 boys, Under-16 boys, and Under-16 girls. The girls’ tournament was incomplete due to wet weather conditions.

The Under-16 boys’ tournament was won by Cox Coaching School from Trinidad and Tobago, while the remaining categories were won by Jamaican schools including St Andrew Technical in the Under-14 and Genesis Academy in the Under-12 categories.

“We got off to a late start due to rain but we pick it up and everything ran smooth. The Girls’ tournament was incomplete though, but otherwise from that it was a good tournament,” Edwards said.

“A part from the renowned Cox Coaching School, Trinidad and Tobago also had Duranta Football Academy and Ultimate Unison Football Academy competed. They said that when they go back home they are going to spread the news and get more teams to come play at the next tournament,” he said.