The atmosphere was electric this past weekend as the Kemtek-sponsored “Girlz Can Play Too” Youth Football League Tournament kicked off with thrilling action at the newly opened Funland Jamaica Football Facility.
Cheers from enthusiastic parents filled the air as young female athletes showcased talent, grit, and teamwork in a tournament celebrating girls’ empowerment through sport.
Now in its second year, the tournament has already seen impressive growth. Last year, the event took an all-island format, with matches held across Kingston, Manchester, and St. Ann, allowing girls from different parishes to compete and connect through football.
This year, with the opening of the brand-new facility at Funland Jamaica and the majority of participating teams being based in Kingston, the organizers opted for a two-day tournament format centered at the new venue.
The decision created an exciting atmosphere and highlighted the space as a new home for youth football in the city.
The competition featured seven teams battling it out. The quarterfinals kicked off with dominant performances, as Football Is Freedom B overwhelmed Immaculate High with an 8–0 victory.
Football Is Freedom A edged out Hillel Academy 4–2, while Camperdown High School claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Redemption Sports Club.
As the semi-finals unfolded, excitement soared. Reinas Academy proved unstoppable, shutting out Freedom B 4–0.
Meanwhile, Freedom A and Camperdown battled to a 3–3 draw, with Freedom A advancing after a tense tiebreaker.
In the Grand Final, Reinas Academy delivered a commanding 2–0 performance against Freedom A, securing the title.
The Youth Football League (YFL) continues to be Jamaica’s most inclusive youth football platform, providing equal opportunities for boys and girls across the island to play, learn, and grow through the sport.
With programs expanding rapidly, the YFL remains committed to using football as a tool for social change and youth development.
“We are proud of the talent we witnessed, the support from families, and the incredible energy throughout the weekend,” said Paula Pinnock, Managing Director of the Youth Football League.
“This is just the beginning of something special at Funland Jamaica. We remain committed to expanding access, building confidence, and giving every child—regardless of background—a chance to shine through football.”
“We are calling on more corporate sponsors, community leaders, and stakeholders to come on board and support initiatives like this. While the league is grateful for its current partners like Kemtek, Gatorade and ICWI, there is still hope that the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Development Foundation will recognize the impact of programs like the YFL and offer tangible support to ensure they grow and reach even more youth across Jamaica”, Pinnock continued.