Despite his team falling short in the final of this year’s KFC U18 Elite Cup,
Eric Rademakers believes the competition has already accomplished
something far greater than lifting a trophy — creating an environment
that supports the long-term development of Jamaica’s young
footballers.

Rademakers, who serves both as head coach of Kingston Football Academy
(KFA) and organiser of the tournament, saw his KFA side lose to
Portmore United in the final. However, for him, the competition was
never solely about results.

“We lost the final and we’re not happy with that, but I think that
overall in the season and the football that the boys have shown is
something that we are very happy about going forward,” Rademakers
said. “It’s all about the development of the boys.”

Now in its second year, the KFC U18 Elite Cup was created to provide
elite-level competition for young players while exposing them to the
type of structure and consistency often lacking in youth football
locally.

The tournament spans five months and places players in a competitive
setting that mirrors longer football seasons overseas, a crucial
component, according to Rademakers, in helping players mature both on
and off the field.

“They don’t get much of these experiences,” he explained. “A
five-month competition where every Saturday you have to perform. It is
a little more of a push and long-term commitment as opposed to just
schoolboy football.”

This year’s competition saw the number of teams increase from six to

seven – Harbour View FC, Waterhouse, Portmore United, Mount Pleasant
Academy, Montego Bay, Ballaz Academy and Kingston Football Academy.

For KFA, the Elite Cup represents more than another youth tournament.
It forms part of a broader effort to create meaningful pathways for
player growth and bridge gaps within Jamaica’s football development
structure.

Rademakers pointed to the current schoolboy football system as one
area that still needs improvement, arguing that the format often
rewards short-term success rather than sustained player growth.

“It’s only the second round of football that gets interesting,” he
said. “So you have one month of match, two-day rest, match, two-day
rest and that’s really not developing. That’s seeing who the best team
is right now.”

Supporting that mission is Malta, a sponsor of KFA and a partner that
sees youth football as an avenue for broader community impact.

According to Laurice Griffiths, junior brand manager, the company’s investment goes beyond football itself.

“The KFC U18 Elite Cup stands as a powerful platform for developing the next generation of football talent,” Griffiths said. “It challenges young footballers to sharpen their skills, strengthen their sportsmanship, and compete in a high-performance environment surrounded by coaches, organisers, and peers committed to building future champions.”

She added that the tournament provides valuable exposure and meaningful experiences for young players while creating a platform for competition and growth.

“Malta is a family brand, and our aim has always been to support families and communities at different levels,” Griffiths explained.

“Initiatives like the KFC U18 Elite Cup align perfectly with those values because sports play such an important role in bringing people together, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening communities.”

Portmore United facing Kingston Football Academy in the KFC Elite Cup finals on Saturday, May 16, 2026

Supporters celebrate at the Anthony Spaulding Sport Complex during the KFC Elite Cup finals