The Youth Football League (YFL) made history with its first-ever staging of the NEXT Cup Tournament, held April 12-13 at the UWI Mona Bowl. The event welcomed 64 teams from 24 clubs, schools, and academies, competing across seven age groups for the prestigious title of champions in Jamaica’s biggest youth football weekend to date.

The atmosphere was electric as young footballers showcased their skill, passion, and discipline over two days of spirited competition. Teams battled for top honours in their respective age groups, with Kingston United FC standing out as the only team to claim two titles (Under-9 and Under-13).

The category winners included Emmanuel Christian Academy (Under-7); Kingston United FC (Under-9); Ballaz Academy (Under-10);

Total Football Academy (Under-11); Kingston United FC (Under-13); Mount Pleasant Academy (Under-14); and Jogo Bonito (Under-15).

A major highlight of the tournament was the introduction of the Overall Tournament Champions Award, created to encourage clubs and academies to expand their youth programs and provide opportunities across multiple age groups.

The inaugural title went to Ballaz Academy, who entered five age categories, reached four semi-finals, three finals, and won the Under-10 division. The award was proudly collected by Andre Virtue, founder of Ballaz Academy.

“This new award is part of our effort to encourage broader participation and holistic development in youth football,” said Paula Pinnock, managing director of the Youth Football League. “Clubs like Ballaz Academy are leading the way, and we hope more will follow in creating inclusive programmes that reach more children.”

Also in attendance was technical director of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Anton Corneal, who expressed his admiration for the event’s scale and impact.

“Looking at what’s happening here, I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities being given to so many kids. More people need to step up — this kind of youth tournament is needed not just in Jamaica, but throughout the entire Caribbean region,” he said.

During the NEXT Cup, young players benefited from the Gears for Greatness initiative, which provided football boots, shin guards, and goalkeeper gloves to those in need — helping to ensure that every child can play with confidence and pride.

“We are incredibly proud of the growth of youth football in Jamaica,” said Pinnock. “We’re especially proud of our Gears for Greatness initiative and the impact it had this weekend. We know there’s still room to grow — we’re learning and improving with every event, and we look forward to making NEXT Cup 2025 even bigger and better.”

FYI Consultancy Group, the chief organiser behind the YFL, is stranger to football development, having been involved in youth tournaments since 2013 with the Samsung Cup.

In addition to NEXT Cup, the YFL recently launched the Champions Cup — a high-stakes, one-day tournament featuring top primary and prep schools.

Earlier this year, FYI also hosted the second staging of Girlz Can Play Too, aimed at empowering young girls through football. Next on the calendar is the Junior Cup, set for September 2025, spanning four weeks, and travelling across the island.