In one of the most memorable upsets in Jamaican youth football, Balmagie Primary etched their names into history with a stunning run to the 2025 Champions Cup title, toppling three of the country's most established prep school football programmes in the process.

Entering the competition as underdogs, Balmagie defied expectations at every turn. Their remarkable campaign began with a hard-fought 1-0 win over tournament heavyweights Lannamans Prep in the quarterfinals. That result set the tone for what was to come, as they marched into the semifinals and dismantled Mona Prep 3-0 in a dominant performance.

But it was the final that truly captured the spirit of the Champions Cup. Facing favourites Sts Peter & Paul, Balmagie produced a disciplined and fearless display, securing a 1-0 victory to lift the trophy and complete one of the great stories in primary school football.

The heartbeat of the team was standout captain Demari Palmer, who walked away with a clean sweep of individual honours — Most Valuable Player, Leading Goal Scorer, and the prestigious Pocket Rocket Foundation Scholarship, a $100,000 annual award toward his education.

“What Balmagie achieved this year shows exactly why we do this — to inspire belief and give every child a chance to shine,” said Paula Pinnock, Managing Director of FYI Consultancy Group, the organisers of the Champions Cup under the Youth Football League banner. “The Champions Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a platform to elevate young talent, celebrate community, and create opportunities through sport.”

The 2025 edition marked the inaugural staging of what is already being hailed as a marquee event on the school football calendar. Supported by key sponsors Kemtek, Western Sports, and Pure Water, the competition delivered excitement and quality football across every round.

Other key results from the knockout stage included Mona Prep’s 2-0 win over McAuley Primary, Sts Peter & Paul’s narrow escape against Corinaldi via penalties after a 1-1 draw, and Hillel Academy’s impressive 3-0 victory over Spanish Town Primary. Sts Peter & Paul then booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Hillel.

The success of the event was further bolstered by contributions from partners such as The Gleaner, ICWI, and Gatorade, along with the support of parents, teachers, and fans who cheered on Jamaica’s next generation of football stars.