ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Jamaica’s young footballers are set to take centre stage this December when top international clubs travel to the island for the Rough Treasure Youth Football Showcase and Festival, a two-day event designed to spotlight rising talent.

The festival, scheduled for December 13–14, will unfold across  Treasure Beach and Munro College in St Elizabeth.

A total of 120 players, aged 16 to 23, will be pulled from local organisations and competitions including DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, Ballaz Academy, and Jamaica Premier League clubs.

Scouts, coaches, and sporting directors from Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, S C Braga and other clubs from the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Malta will be in attendance.

“Our goal is simple, create real pathways for Jamaican players to be seen, signed, and supported,” said

Sanjay Clacken, FIFA-licensed agent and founder of BallerOne Consulting and Management.

“We’ve seen the potential of our athletes first-hand and this showcase provides a structured opportunity to connect our athletes with international clubs looking for fresh talent from the Caribbean. It’s about development, exposure, and showing that Jamaica can produce world-class professionals with the right support.”

Clacken, who has negotiated contracts in Jamaica, Armenia, and Belgium, and recently led youth showcases in South Florida, is spearheading the event in partnership with Rising Stars Club/Academy (UK), Jakes Hotel Treasure Beach, and the Breds Foundation.

His agency, BallerOne, focuses on bridging the gap between Jamaican footballers and overseas opportunities, while mentoring young players on contract awareness and career development.

Beyond the competition, the Rough Treasure Festival will celebrate Jamaican culture with live reggae and dancehall performances, a beachside awards banquet, and deep community engagement. Visiting officials will take part in networking sessions with local clubs, community leaders, and government representatives to strengthen Jamaica’s role in the global football landscape.

The festival’s schedule:

* Dec 12: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

* Dec 13: Opening Ceremony, Drills, and Scrimmages, followed by Evening Concert

* Dec 14: Final Matches and All-Star Game, Awards Banquet

* Dec 15–16: Networking and Departure

Organisers are inviting corporate sponsors, sports brands, and community organisations to support the event, emphasising that partnerships are crucial to giving young Jamaican players the visibility and resources they need.