BALMAGIE Primary delivered one of the most inspiring underdog stories in youth football, capturing the 2025 Champions Cup title after defeating three of the top prep school football teams in the country.

Their journey to the trophy was nothing short of legendary, edging Henriques Cup finalists Lannamans Prep 1-0 in their opening match, before blanking Henriques Cup champions Mona Prep 3-0 in the semi-finals, and marching into the final where they held off tournament favourites and Alberga Cup winners Sts Peter and Paul Prep 1-0 to secure the Champions Cup title.

Led by standout Captain Damari Palmer, who was named MVP, Leading Goal Scorer, and awarded the prestigious Pocket Rocket Foundation Scholarship (a $100,000 annual grant towards his education), Balmagie’s triumph was the ultimate proof that grit and heart can conquer on the biggest stage.

This year’s tournament was the inaugural staging of what promises to be a marquee event on the school football calendar, expertly executed by FYI Consultancy Group with the support of sponsors Kemtek, Western Sports, and Pure Water.

“The Champions Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a platform to elevate young talent, celebrate community, and create opportunities through sport,” said Paula Pinnock, managing director of FYI Consultancy Group, organisers behind the Youth Football League.

“What Balmagie achieved this year shows exactly why we do this — to inspire belief and give every child a chance to shine.”

Earlier in the competition, which pits the top primary and prep school teams against each other in a knockout format, Mona Prep got their day off to a strong start with a comfortable 2-0 victory over McAuley Primary.

Sts Peter and Paul worked their way into the final four by advancing past the heavy-hitting, Montego Bay-based, Corinaldi Primary on penalties — after both teams had played out an exciting 1-1 draw in regulation time. Corinaldi Primary were the runners-up in the All-Island Primary Schools Football Competition.

Hillel Academy, semi-finalists in both the Alberga and Henriques Cup competitions, were awarded a 3-0 victory over All-Island Primary School champions Spanish Town Primary, after the latter turned up with overage players.

In the semi-final stage, Sts Peter and Paul survived a nervy first half to come out 2-0 winners over Hillel, in a repeat of the Alberga Cup semis.

“The inaugural Champions Cup was a storybook start … As the fourth tournament under the Youth Football League it reflects our commitment to youth development through sport. We’re grateful for the support from our sponsors and excited for the fourth staging of the Junior Cup this year,” added Pinnock.

Mycon English (foreground) of Balmagie Primary moves away from Sts Peter and Paul’s Daniel Blake during the Champions Cup final at The UWI, Mona, on Saturday June, 21, 2025 (.Joseph Wellington)