Youth football fans are in for a treat this Saturday, October 19, 2024, as the best young talent in Jamaica takes the field at the Constant Spring Football Field for the All-Island U11 Championship Finals. Kicking off at 10:00 am, the tournament will see 12 top primary and preparatory schools compete for the coveted title, with the finals set for 3:30 pm. The opening ceremony, celebrating the young athletes and their achievements, starts at 9:15 am, marking a full day of thrilling football action.
This year’s Youth Football League (YFL) tournament, in partnership with the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), has seen an impressive display of skill and determination from schools across the island. After fierce regional competitions in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Manchester, the final 12 teams have emerged as the best of the best.
The advancing teams are Mineral Heights Primary, Emmanuel Christian Academy, Corinaldi Primary (Champion), Howard Cooke Primary, Lannaman’s Prep (Champion), Iris Gelly Primary, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, Granville Primary, El Instituto de Mandevilla (Champion), Liberty Academy, and Port Antonio Primary. These schools will now battle it out for the championship, bringing their young stars to the forefront of Jamaica’s youth football scene.
Paula Pinnock, Managing Director of the YFL, shared her excitement about the upcoming finals. “This tournament isn’t just about football—it’s about giving these young athletes a chance to shine both on and off the field. The YFL nurtures their potential while teaching them values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. We’re thrilled with the talent we’ve seen so far, and the finals will be a true celebration of Jamaica’s future in football.”
JISA President Tamara McKenzie also praised the participating schools for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the tournament’s role in fostering inclusivity and personal growth. “We’re providing opportunities for every child, regardless of background, to experience the joy of competition and development. Special congratulations to the six preparatory schools—Lannaman’s Prep, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, El Instituto de Mandevilla, Liberty Academy at the Priory, and Emmanuel Christian Academy—for their stellar performances. We look forward to watching these young athletes excel not just on the field but in all areas of life.”
Adding to the excitement, the YFL has rolled out the Gears 4 Greatness initiative, encouraging Jamaicans at home and abroad to donate boots and shin guards for players in need. This initiative ensures that no young footballer is left without the necessary equipment, helping level the playing field and supporting the league’s mission to develop Jamaica’s next generation of football stars.
With total prizes and trophies valued at over $500,000, Saturday’s final promises to be a thrilling day of football, showcasing the best in youth talent. Whether you’re a fan, a parent, or simply a lover of the game, the All-Island Championship Finals is an event not to be missed.
Fulham 3-1 Brighton: Iwobi brace the difference at Craven Cottage
Alex Iwobi was the star of the show as his brace helped Fulham to a 3-1 victory over Brighton on Thursday.
Iwobi capitalised on Bart Verbruggen's early error to get the home side off to a flying start at Craven Cottage.
Carlos Baleba finished expertly after neat work from Joao Pedro to bring Brighton level in the 56th minute, but Matt O'Riley's luckless own goal restored Fulham's lead.
And Iwobi wrapped up the points with a lovely bending effort in the closing stages to settle an entertaining contest.
Verbruggen's careless pass was pounced on by Iwobi and he side-footed home after only four minutes before Simon Adingra shot straight at Bernd Leno when he really ought to have equalised.
Rodrigo Muniz headed agonisingly wide on the stroke of half-time for Fulham but Baleba levelled for Brighton with an exquisite drilled finish from Joao Pedro's sublime flick into his path after 56 minutes.
But Fulham did well to reset and Andrea Pereira's fine in-swinging corner found the bottom corner via the backside of O'Riley before Iwobi rounded out the win by cutting in from the left and bending a fine effort past the Verbruggen into the far corner with three minutes to play.
Data Debrief: Iwobi in form as Brighton's Fulham hoodoo continues
Iwobi was the difference-maker in what had been a very tight contest at Craven Cottage and he has now scored (3) or assisted in or assisted (2) in each of his last four Premier League appearances, his longest such run in the competition.
This was only the second time the Nigeria international had managed to score twice in a Premier League game in what was his 267th appearance in the competition.
Brighton, meanwhile, have now faced Fulham nine times in the Premier League and failed to beat them. The Cottagers have five wins and four draws versus the Seagulls, the most they have faced a side without losing in the competition.
The visitors were the architects of their own downfall for the first goal and only Southampton (9) have had more errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season than Brighton (6), with Verbruggen responsible for three of those – the joint-most by a player in the competition in 2024-25.
Cacereno 1-3 Atletico Madrid: Simeone's side survive scare after late fightback
Atletico Madrid progressed to the Copa del Rey last 32, but only after surviving a scare against fourth-tier Cacereno.
Diego Simeone's side trailed 1-0 in the 83rd minute at Estadio Principe Felipe, after Alvario Merencio's first-half strike.
However, the LaLiga side levelled through Clement Lenglet, before striking twice in stoppage time through Julian Alvarez and an Adri Perez own-goal.
Julio Cobos' side were on a four-match winning streak in Group 5 of the Segunda Federacion, and took the lead on the half-hour mark, with Merencio rounding off a quick counter.
The hosts held firm but were finally breached seven minutes from time, when Lenglet headed in from Rodrigo de Paul's cross.
Cacereno were reduced to 10 men two minutes later with Jaime Sancho shown a second yellow card, and Atletico capitalised on their numerical advantage in stoppage time.
De Paul's shot deflected in off Perez to complete the turnaround, while Alvarez put the tie beyond the fourth-tier outfit later on.
Data Debrief: Late, late show spares Atletico blushes
Atletico had won each of their last seven matches across all competitions, but they were given an almighty scare on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Simeone's side eventually broke Cacereno's resistance, scoring three goals from the 83rd minute onwards in any competition for only the second time - also doing so against Real Zaragoza in June 2013.
Man City to face Juventus at revamped Club World Cup
Manchester City will launch their Club World Cup title defence against Moroccan side Wydad, while also facing Juventus in the group stage of the revamped tournament.
Pep Guardiola's side are the reigning champions having lifted the title in 2023, following their 4-0 victory over Brazilian club Fluminense in the final.
City are also joined by Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in Group G of the 32-team tournament in 2025, which will take place in the United States between June 15 and July 13.
Reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid have been drawn alongside Red Bull Salzburg, Pachuca and Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in Group H, meaning Kylian Mbappe and Neymar could be in line for a reunion.
That duo's former club, Paris Saint-Germain, are joined by Atletico Madrid in Group B.
Chelsea will play Flamengo, Club Leon and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie in Group D, as Bayern Munich and Benfica are paired together in Group C.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were somewhat contentiously included. They won MLS' Supporters' Shield, yet were dumped out of the playoffs by Atlanta United.
Miami will face Porto, Palmeiras and Al-Ahly in Group A.
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al-Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Auckland City.
Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea, Club Leon, Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
Group E: River Plate, Inter, Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Man City, Juventus, Wydad AC, Al-Ain.
Group H: Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, Al-Hilal, Pachuca.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
