Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the West Indies Men’s squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against South Africa, set to take place from August 23-27, 2024, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The announcement comes on the heels of the West Indies' 1-0 Test series loss to the Proteas in Providence, Guyana, with the team now looking to bounce back in the shorter format of the game.

 Rovman Powell will lead the side as captain, with Roston Chase serving as vice-captain. The squad also features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, including the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Alick Athanaze. Notably absent from the squad are Andre Russell and Jason Holder, who have both requested periods of rest and recovery following a grueling season that included five consecutive Test matches against England and South Africa. Brandon King also remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from an injury sustained during the World Cup.

 Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the importance of rest and recovery for the absent players, stating, “During this period, they all will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team.”

 Head Coach Daren Sammy views the upcoming series as an opportunity for the West Indies to reset and refocus. “Facing a strong South Africa side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus with our game plan. We have played them recently and had mixed results, so this should be an exciting and important series. I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and with eyes already on the next T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success,” Sammy remarked.

 The West Indies, currently ranked 4th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, will be looking to capitalize on their recent form, having won four of their last five series. South Africa, ranked 5th, presents a formidable challenge, especially after ending the West Indies' World Cup campaign in the Super 8 stage. However, with a squad full of dynamic players, including the explosive Fabian Allen and the reliable Shai Hope, the West Indies are poised to put up a strong fight.

 The T20I series against South Africa also marks a historic occasion as it will feature doubleheaders with the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) for the first time. Fans will have the unique opportunity to witness both the top male and female cricketers in action with a single ticket.

 The full squad for the T20I series is as follows:  Rovman Powell (Captain), Roston Chase (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd.

The team management unit for the series includes Head Coach Daren Sammy, along with Assistant Coaches Rayon Griffith, Floyd Reifer, and Ramesh Subasinghe. The support staff also comprises Physiotherapist Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach Ronald Rogers, and others.

 Tickets for the T20I Series are available for purchase online, and fans in the Caribbean can catch all the action live on RUSH SPORTS or via the Flow Sports bluu. App and the SportsMax App. Fans worldwide can follow live ball-by-ball commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube page and get live scores on the Windies Cricket Match Centre.

 As the West Indies gear up to face South Africa, cricket fans across the region will be eagerly watching to see how the team responds after their recent Test series disappointment. The upcoming T20I series promises to be an exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two cricketing nations.

Sam Billings will be part of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons squad for the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The England international will replace Azmatullah Omarzai who is no longer available for this year’s event.

Billings has played more than 300 T20 matches around the world having played for teams in England, India, Australia and Pakistan. With more than 6000 runs in T20s he will bring fire power and experience to the Falcons line up.

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are a new franchise for the 2024 season and will be playing in the tournament’s opening match on 29 August against their closest rivals, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

The West Indian top order will be under the microscope once again as South Africa secured a 1-0 series victory on day three of the second Test at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

The South Africans started day three 223-5, leading the hosts by 239 runs with overnight batsmen Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder looking to add onto the lead.

Mulder failed to add to his overnight 34 while Verreynne added only nine to his overnight 50 as the West Indian bowlers were able to wrap up the innings in quick time on Saturday.

Jayden Seales was excellent with the ball on his way to a career-best 6-61 off 18.4 overs while left arm-spinners Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie took two wickets, each.

Chasing a very manageable 263 with more than two days left in the game, the West Indian reply started badly as, for the second time in the game, the opening partnership failed to fire with Mikyle Louis falling for a 16-ball four in the fifth over.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty tried to steady the ship, bringing the score up to 54 before Brathwaite went off the bowling of first innings hero Mulder for 25.

Only eight runs later, Carty was also back in the dressing room after being bowled by Mulder for 17.

It was then up to Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge to try and being the hosts as close as they could to the score, as they are the last two specialist batsmen in the line-up.

They brought the score up to 99 in the 31^st over before Hodge fell for 29.

The wickets of Athanaze for 17 and Jason Holder for a duck not long after left the West Indies 104-6 with their chances of winning the series dwindling by the second.

A 77-run seventh wicket partnership between Joshua Da Silva and Gudakesh Motie gave the hosts a glimmer of hope before that hope was dashed in the 53^rd over when Motie fell for a top-score of 45.

Da Silva fell soon after for 27, ending any legitimate chance of a successful West Indian chase.

Jomel Warrican and Shamar Joseph tried their best with 25* and 11, respectively, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 222 in the 63^rd over, losing by 40 runs.

Man of the series Keshav Maharaj took 3-37 off 11.2 overs while Kagiso Rabada took 3-50 from 16 overs.

Full Scores:

South Africa 160 off 54 overs (David Bedingham 28, Tristan Stubbs 26, Shamar Joseph 5-33, Jayden Seales 3-45) & 246 off 80.4 overs (Kyle Verreynne 59, Aiden Markram 51, Tony de Zorzi 39, Wiaan Mulder 34, Jayden Seales 6-61, Jomel Warrican 2-21, Gudakesh Motie 2-61)

West Indies 144 off 42.4 overs (Jason Holder 54*, Keacy Carty 26, Wiaan Mulder 4-18, Nandre Burger 3-49, Keshav Maharaj 2-8) & 222 off 66.2 overs (Gudakesh Motie 45, Kavem Hodge 29, Keshav Maharaj 3-37, Kagiso Rabada 3-50, Wiaan Mulder 2-35, Dane Piedt 2-50)

While expressing his excitement as he prepares to lead the country into Concacaf Nations League battle, recently appointed Reggae Boyz Head coach Steve McClaren also warned against complacency all-round, mindful that the main objective is qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Englishman is under no illusions that the challenge ahead will be easy but remains confident in the Reggae Boyz ability to perform at the highest level. The Boyz will bow into Nations League action on September 6 against Cuba at the National Stadium before visiting Honduras on September 10.

They will then visit Nicaragua on October 10, followed by a return-leg fixture against Honduras on October 14.

“I’m excited; I’ve been excited from day one. The biggest thing is to get started. I’ve called a few players and watched a few games in getting ready for Cuba on September 6. The Reggae Boyz have  great potential and I’m very proud to be a part of this journey, as it’s a privilege for anybody to coach a national team because you are representing a country,” McClaren said during an interview with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) media.

McLaren, who boasts a wealth of experience coaching in and around Europe, including a stint as Manchester United’s assistant coach, underscored that the Nations League will serve as a crucial stepping stone in the team's preparation for World Cup qualification, offering them a platform to build momentum and fine-tune their strategies.

With the powerhouses Mexico, the United States, and Canada already qualifying for the World Cup as hosts, McLaren knows they can take nothing for granted, as every other team across the region will fancy their chances of booking a spot at the global showpiece.

“Every team in the Caribbean now will be thinking they have a chance. In football, there’s never an easy game; complacency is the biggest killer of all,” McLaren noted.

“Therefore, we can’t be complacent in the Nations League or the qualifiers for the World Cup. We must be committed, we must want to be here, and we must all be aligned to the goal of World Cup 2026, from the president [Michael Ricketts] all the way down,” the former England manager added.

That said, the 63-year-old welcomed the camaraderie among the current crop of players, which he believes will make his job that much easier, as his aim was always to ensure there was such a foundation.

“They look like they have great togetherness. I have spoken to players and staff, and everybody loves coming to join up for Jamaica. You have got to enjoy what you do, and that’s a great advantage. All I want to do is carry on with the good work that has gone on,” McLaren declared.

Alana Reid, fresh from her Olympic Games debut in Paris recently, and Wolmer’s Boys’ Gary Card headline Jamaica’s team to the World Under 20 Championships, as standout triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert is among notable absentees.

Hibbert, 19, the World under-20 record-holder and defending triple jump champion, pulled out of the championship due to an injury sustained at the Paris Olympic Games, where he placed fourth.

United States-born Skyler Franklin, the winner of the under-20 girls’ 400m at the national championships and fifth-fastest in the world at this level with a best of 51.01 seconds, will also miss the championship as her paperwork to officially represent Jamaica is yet to be finalised.

Still, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has pooled together a talented 43-member squad, which should give a good account at the August 27-31 Championship in Lima, Peru.

Reid, who placed third in the 200m in Cali, Colombia, two years ago, was a member of the women’s 4x100m team, which finished fifth in Paris. She will contest the 100m in Peru, an event in which she is the under-20 world leader with her season’s best of 11.09 seconds.

Meanwhile, Card will be the highest-ranked Jamaican male at the meet, where his best of 20.50s puts him at number three in the 200m. He is fourth in the 100m with his season’s and personal best of 10.07.

Jamaica’s athletes will be targeting an improved medal haul from two years ago, when they captured a record 16 medals, the best-ever haul at these championships.

Team: Girls -Abigail Campbell, Abrina Wright, Alana Reid, Alliah Baker, Anecia Campbell, Briana Campbell, Deschanique Douglas, Habiba Harris, Jade Ann Dawkins, Jaeda Robinson, Kellyann Carr, Kerrica Hill, Nejhada Seymore, Natassia Fletcher, Rohana Sudlow, Sabrina Dockery, Shanaye Morris, Shanniqua Williams, Shanique Williams, Theiana-Lee Terrelonge

Boys -Chad Hendricks, Chavez Penn, Daniel Beckford, Daniel Wright, Deandre Daley, Demarco Bennett, Gary Card, Jabari Matheson, Jace Witter, Javaughn Pinnock, Junior Gallimore, Kemarrio Bygrave, Kyle Richards, Marcinho Rose, Nyrone Wade, Omary Robinson, Richard Hall, Romario Hines, Shadane Smith, Shaquan Dunn, Trevoy Smith.

Barbados and Bermuda were among teams that opened their 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series campaigns in convincing manners with 6-2 and 4-0 victories over St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada on Friday.

The tournament being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago started as expected, with Barbados dominating proceedings in a lopsided Group A, Tier II affair against St Vincent and the Grenadines. Games are played over 70 minutes.

Barbados broke the deadlock in the fourth minute through Maleek Peters, who tucked away a rebound after St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Kevon Phillips saved captain Jamarco Johnson’s effort.

They doubled the lead four minutes later, courtesy of Sacha Pounder, who finished a pass from Trey Barker.

St Vincent and the Grenadines pulled one back in the 17th when Jomain Ollivierre latched onto a through pass from Beau Hoyte and fired past goalkeeper Shaquan King.

Barker’s second assist came in the 32nd when he played a cross to Johnson, who finished from a tight angle to put Barbados 3-1 up at the break.

St Vincent and the Grenadines again reduced the deficit in the 42nd through Xavier Thorne's own goal. However, that was all they would get from the contest, as Barbados took control from there when Peters completed his brace in the 45th.

Substitute Rajari Rollins in the 50th with an easy finish from a Barker assist to make it 5-2 for Barbados. Barker was eventually rewarded for his efforts with a strike of his own in the 59th to complete the 6-2 scoreline.

Bermuda 4-0 Grenada

Bermuda also dominated their first match of Tier II Group C against Grenada at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Jeon Wolfe got Bermuda’s show going with a quick brace in the sixth and seventh minutes. He opened the scoring with a tidy finish from a Zydon Lightbourne Furbert assist and then slotted into an empty net a minute later.

An unfortunate own-goal pushed Grenada further behind, before Lightbourne Furbert capped Bermuda’s win with a 38th-minute strike.

Anguilla 1- 3 Turks and Caicos Islands

Over at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Turks and Caicos Islands scored a comfortable 3-1 win over Anguilla when the teams met in Tier II, Group B action.

Turks and Caicos struck first in the fourth minute courtesy of Wilsony Charles, who made no mistakes from close range. They doubled the lead a minute later when Khazaiviyon Basden-Darvol converted from the penalty spot, and that just about signalled the writing on the wall for Anguilla.

Anguilla pulled one back in the 36th through Zahir Hennis, who tucked home at the far post. However, Turk and Caicos restored their two-goal cushion and, by extension, wrapped up the win when Charles completed his brace with a well-driven shot from just outside the 18-yard box.

Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 Guyana

Antigua and Barbuda scored a 2-1 win over Guyana in Tier II Group A play at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Captain Shemar Walters opened the scoring for Antigua and Barbuda in the second minute with a well-taken effort.

Guyana's Mark Glasgow pulled his team level when he fired home in the 15th to keep things interesting.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Luke Harney Rogerson restored Antigua and Barbuda’s lead with a 21st-minute effort.

Though they continued to create chances, Antigua and Barbuda failed to add to their tally, but will hope to improve their scoring form in their next encounter on Sunday.

Bonaire 2-1 St. Lucia 

Bonaire secured a 2-1 hard-fought victory over St Lucia at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Tier II, Group C.

St Lucia dominated the opening moments, mainly through Randall Monroe, as the Bonaire defenders found the lanky winger’s running and technical ability difficult to handle. The St Lucians were rewarded for their early hard work and took the lead in the match through an own goal.  

Monroe got in behind the defence, and his cross found Eustace Blackstock on the back post. Blackstock’s redirected header came off Bonaire’s Julian Garcia Henriquez to give St. Lucia a 1-0 lead.

Bonaire drew level through Rayvion Simon, whose powerful volley from the top of the penalty area left Jervonti Toussaint rooted to the spot.

Margall Statie then gifted Bonaire the lead in the 32nd minute when got on the end of a Rushando Arrow whipped cross and finished with a expert header. 

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday. Bonaire plays Bermuda, and St Lucia takes on St Maarten.

Dominica 3-0 British Virgin Islands

Dominica blanked British Virgin Islands 3-0 when the teams met in Tier II Group B at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Che Etienne opened the scoring in the 11^th with an easy finish through the legs of BVI’s custodian, Trevon Steven. 

Taran George quickly made it 2-0 in the 12th with a comfortable finish from close range. He later completed his brace and his team’s victory with a 28-minute strike.

Dominica play the US Virgin Islands at 6:00 pm on Saturday, while BVI play Turks and Caicos Islands at 4:00 pm. 

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have secured a powerhouse for their 2025 campaign, re-signing four-time national premiership winner Romelda Aiken-George for a second season in pink. The Jamaican superstar, renowned for her towering presence under the post, will return to the Suncorp Super Netball League as one of the most formidable goal shooters in the game.

Aiken-George, entering her 16th season in the national league, delivered an extraordinary performance in 2024. She racked up a staggering 736 Nissan Net Points, netted 517 goals, and pulled down 69 rebounds. Her impact was undeniable, culminating in a Player of the Match performance during the Grand Final, where she amassed 57.5 NNP, 42 goals, and 10 rebounds to lead the Thunderbirds to victory.

Her debut in Round 1 against the Queensland Firebirds was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 48 goals and officially becoming Thunderbird #108. With 230 games to her name, Aiken-George's experience and skill set make her an irreplaceable asset for the Thunderbirds' attack end.

Thunderbirds General Manager of High Performance, Jace Bode, expressed his excitement about Aiken-George's return. "Romelda was a dominant target for us under the post in 2024 and once again showed why she is one of the best shooters the sport has ever seen," Bode remarked. "Her competitiveness on court and ability to take ball in the air and convert to goal was second to none. She added invaluable experience to our attack line and built strong connections with the players around her. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2025."

Aiken-George's re-signing is more than just a continuation of her journey; it's a statement of intent from the Thunderbirds. With her at the helm of their attack, the team is poised to defend their title and continue their reign as the league's top team.

Fans can expect nothing less than brilliance from Aiken-George as she dons the pink once more, ready to lead the Thunderbirds to further glory in 2025.

The inaugural staging of the First Half Only 45 Schoolboy football Extravaganza, is expected to ignite the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall on Saturday, as six Manning and daCosta Cup schools will vie for cash prize and a title to boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming ISSA schoolboy football season.

This groundbreaking tournament, set to take place under the patronage of Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon, promises an exhilarating day of competition and community spirit, beginning with an exciting “kickoff” ceremony led by the Mayor.

The evening's highlight features electrifying matches between St. Catherine High, Rusea's High, William Knibb High, Cornwall College, Manchester High, and Irwin High Schools. Each team is prepared to showcase their best in this specially curated tournament, with the winning school set to pocket a grand prize of JMD$500,000.

Dr. Dean Weatherly, Head coach of Irwin High School, welcomed the initiative, which aims to revitalize interest in schoolboy football across Jamaica, broaden its fan base, and attract investment from football governing bodies and corporate entities into grassroots football development.

“The 45 Minutes tournament is a great concept and is one where we can see the other talents that exist in Western Jamaica as well as to see where we are in our training sessions. As far as the tournament goes, it is one that people need to come out and watch as they’ll be seeing some great young minds at work and talent on the field,” Weatherly declared.

St. Catherine High’s Anthony Patrick echoed similar sentiments.

“It's a welcomed opportunity, one we are looking forward to, and one that will benefit our players immensely, especially the youngsters we want to showcase this schoolboy season, ones who will be graduating this year. The 45-minute format is crucial—winning in the first half is always crucial so this concept encourages a different type of sportsmanship, we'll be putting our best foot forward to make an impact and allow the young talent to shine,” Patrick shared.

For Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon, the sport presents limitless opportunities for community and individual development in Jamaica, particularly in the Western part of the island.

“The sport has experienced a significant decline in Western Jamaica in recent years, evidenced by the success of teams at the national and schoolboy levels. Therefore, all support is needed to revitalize the discipline and provide an outlet for youngsters to be meaningfully engaged,” the Mayor said.

“It also provides unique advantages for sports tourism in western Jamaica, with Montego Bay being among the top destinations globally. As such, I'm vested to reimagine and rebuild Western football by playing a key role,” he added.

Meanwhile, Erin Mitchell of sponsors Wisynco, pointed out that lending support to the initiative was a no-brainer.

“Schoolboy Football is a crucial pillar for many of our brands, and we are proud to support this initiative in the west, reinforcing our commitment to schoolboy football in Jamaica,” Mitchell noted.

Pre-sold tickets are $1,000 and $2,500 for Bleachers and Grandstand, while tickets at the gate, are $1,500 and $3,000. Pre-sold tickets are available at Western Sports,

Waterhouse Football Club is pleased to announce the transfer of Revaldo Mitchell to Macedonian club FK Rabotnicki AD - Skopje for an undisclosed fee.

Revaldo Mitchell, a talented midfielder known for his exceptional skills and dedication on the field, has been a pivotal player for Waterhouse FC. Since joining the club, Mitchell has demonstrated remarkable growth and has been instrumental in our recent successes.

Waterhouse FC President, Donovan White, expressed his gratitude towards Mitchell for his contributions to the team. "Revaldo has been an outstanding player for Waterhouse FC, and while we are sad to see him go, we are also incredibly proud of his achievements and excited for his future. This transfer is a testament to his hard work and dedication."

Revaldo Mitchell shared his excitement about the move, stating, "I am grateful for my time at Waterhouse FC and the support I have received from the fans, teammates, and coaching staff. I am looking forward to this new chapter with FK Rabotnicki AD - Skopje and am eager to contribute to my new team."

This transfer marks a significant milestone for Waterhouse FC, highlighting the club's commitment to developing talent and providing opportunities for players to progress in their careers. We are confident that Revaldo will continue to excel and make a significant impact in Macedonia.

We wish Revaldo Mitchell all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his invaluable contributions to Waterhouse FC.

Shamar Joseph said clinching a five-for on his home debut for West Indies was "the best feeling" after 17 wickets fell in a dramatic start to their second Test against South Africa.

Joseph posted brilliant figures of 5-33 on day one in Guyana as South Africa were skittled for just 160 on Thursday.

However, the Proteas ended the day with the upper hand as Wiaan Mulder responded with figures of 4-18 to help reduce the Windies to 97-7 by stumps.

Joseph, though, is convinced the hosts will recover to win the Test and the two-match series, which remains perfectly poised following a draw in Trinidad and Tobago last week.

"It's a great feeling to have done this at home," Joseph said of his five-wicket haul.

"I haven't really played much here at Providence but I always go in with a clear plan to do what the team needed, and I am glad I was able to deliver today.

"There's no place like home and playing in front of your home crowd is just the best feeling that could ever happen to anyone playing international cricket.

"Coming back home, the support was great and I'm glad I was able to go out and do my best. We want to win this Test match so badly and I know we will win it."

South Africa bowler Mulder, meanwhile, said he had watched Joseph's outing closely and looked to replicate it when stepping up to remove Kraigg Brathwaite, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge and Joshua Da Silva through his six overs with the ball.

"I didn't bowl at my best but I had a lot going for me today," Mulder said. "I just tried to replicate what Shamar did earlier in the day by bowling a length which made it difficult for the batters to score. 

"He's obviously quicker than I am but the pitch also helped my style of bowling so I was able to capitalise."

Shamar Joseph’s dream start to Test cricket continued but Wiaan Mulder and Nandre Burger led a spirited fightback for the touring South Africans on day one of the second Test at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday.

South Africa, after winning the toss and batting first, were bowled out for 160 in 54 overs while the West Indies were 97-7 after 28.2 overs in reply, trailing by 63 runs at stumps on day one.

South Africa were made to rue their decision to bat first very quickly as Tony de Zorzi (1), Aiden Markram (14), Temba Bavuma (0) and Tristan Stubbs (26) all fell before the 25^th over to leave them reeling at 57-4.

That quickly became 97-9 when Kyle Verreynne, their last recognized batsman, became Shamar Joseph’s fifth victim of the innings with just 36.1 overs on the board.

With the West indies seemingly on the brink of restricting South Africa to less than 100, Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger showed grit, fighting off some quality West Indian bowling on the way to a final wicket partnership of 63 before Burger finally fell off the bowling of Gudakesh Motie for 23 in the 54^th over.

David Bedingham was South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings with 28.

Joseph finished with figures of 5-33 off 14 overs and was supported well by Jayden Seales who took 3-45, also from 14 overs.

The West Indian reply got off to a disappointing start when Mikyle Louis was bowled by Burger for a duck in the second over.

The hosts then continued to lose wickets at regular intervals as Kraigg Brathwaite (3), Alick Athanaze (1), Kavem Hodge (4), Keacy Carty (26), and Joshua Da Silva (4) all fell within the first 20 overs.

Jason Holder has so far provided the only meaningful resistance to the South African bowling with 33* while Gudakesh Motie’s wicket for 11 in the 29^th over signaled the end of the day’s play.

Wiaan Mulder has dominated the West Indian batting so far with a career best 4-18 off six overs while Burger has taken 2-32 from his seven overs.

Full Scores:

South Africa 160 off 54 overs (David Bedingham 28, Tristan Stubbs 26, Shamar Joseph 5-33, Jayden Seales 3-45)

West Indies 97-7 off 28.2 overs (Jason Holder 33*, Keacy Carty 26, Wiaan Mulder 4-18, Nandre Burger 2-32)

PIF and Concacaf inked a multi-year partnership that supports their shared ambition to grow football at every level of the game in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

It was announced on Friday after an official signing in New York.

The partnership is expected to spur the growth of the sport at all levels, inspiring more people to take up football, as well as boost Concacaf tournaments for men, women, and youth of both national teams and clubs. Additionally, the two organizations will collaborate to strengthen and advance Concacaf football development initiatives, with a focus on providing children and youth with access to the sport in all 41 Concacaf federations.

The timing of the partnership comes as the region gears up to host major football tournaments in the coming years, including the men’s and women’s Concacaf Champions Cups, the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, and the next FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by three Concacaf member federations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

In line with PIF’s focus on inclusivity and youth as key pillars of its sponsorship platform, the partnership will also support Concacaf in its efforts to increase the number of official youth championships it delivers in the coming years. This will provide further opportunities for emerging talents in the region, including through the Concacaf under-15, under-17, and under-20 championships for both men and women and the under-17 and under-20 competitions serving as qualification tournaments for FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups, respectively.

The Concacaf partnership adds to PIF’s growing portfolio of partnerships across tennis, golf, football, and electric motorsports, which focuses on investing in people, projects, and initiatives that embrace PIF’s four sponsorship pillars of inclusivity, sustainability, youth, and technology.

Concacaf president and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani expressed delight at the partnership.

“We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership, which will support the confederation in developing all levels of football across our region,” Montagliani said.

“This is a pivotal time for PIF to connect with football in Concacaf. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly in our confederation and will reach new heights as major Concacaf competitions take place over the next two years and we get closer to the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup taking place in our region in 2026,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, also beamed about the prospects.

“We are delighted to partner with Concacaf as the confederation enters an exciting period. Together, we will advance a series of initiatives to create a positive and lasting impact across all Concacaf competitions. As PIF expands its portfolio of inspiring sponsorships, our commitment to investing in sport remains constant,” AlSayyad shared.

The PIF and Concacaf partnership will also strengthen the growth and development of existing Concacaf initiatives. These include Concacaf’s “Bigger Game,” which leverages the popularity of football as a vehicle to deliver sport and education programs and initiatives in local communities across its 41-member federations and aims to build community partnerships, improve awareness, and amplify the voices of program beneficiaries.

Vernon Springer, Public Relations and Operations Manager of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, says the franchise is aiming to spread its wings across all aspects of cricket on the island, and this includes possibly entering a team in next year’s Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

The Kris Persaud-owned Antigua and Barbuda Falcons were earlier this year announced as the latest addition to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), replacing Jamaica Tallawahs for the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament, which gets under way later this month.

“We are also making a pitch as well, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, to have our own women’s team next year, 2025, and also to host the Women’s Premier League right here in Antigua and Barbuda. So, it’s not just about the men but a combination of making sure that others benefit, and, like Sir Viv [Richards] said, everybody has to come on board,” Springer said. 

The women’s Caribbean Premier League, which started in 2022, has only fielded three teams—Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Trinbago Knight Riders—over the years. As such, the addition of a Falcons women’s outfit would be a welcome addition to the tournament.

On that note, Springer added that there will be opportunities for players in general to benefit from the franchise being based in Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Leeward Islands Hurricanes will be in Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, they will start training here to prepare for the Super50. So that is a next opportunity for young players in Antigua and Barbuda and around the region to make sure that we now have the Leeward Islands Hurricanes franchise, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, and you have Cricket West Indies headquarters, which is based here,” Springer reasoned.

This year’s 12th edition of the CPL is scheduled to begin on August 29, with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons taking on St. Kitts Nevis Patriots at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. They will then face reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors a day later, also at the North Sound venue. Both matches will start at 7:00 pm.

The Falcons will then face Barbados Royals on September 30 at the same venue, starting at 10:00 am, before crossing swords with St. Lucia Kings on September 3 at 7:00 pm, also at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.