Girlz Can Play Too kickstarts Youth Football League 2026

The Youth Football League (YFL) has officially launched its highly anticipated 2026 season, beginning with the U14 Girlz Can Play Too tournament, set to take place at Funland Jamaica Football Field in Kingston from March 28 to 29.

Now in its third year, the Girlz Can Play Too initiative continues to be a cornerstone of YFL’s mission to grow and strengthen girls’ football in Jamaica. Following the success of last year’s staging, which featured eight teams competing over two days of exciting football and receiving full gear support, this year’s tournament introduces a key adjustment.

Teams will be allowed to include up to two U15 players. This decision addresses the ongoing challenge of limited female participation opportunities at this age group and ensures more girls remain actively involved in the sport.

“This tournament is one of the initiatives we are most proud of. It represents our commitment to creating real opportunities for young girls to play, develop, and stay connected to the sport,” said YFL organiser Paula Pinnock.

The importance of the tournament becomes all the more obvious after Jamaica’s national U17 Reggae Girlz saw their push to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup later this year hit a snag.

According to a release from the YFL, the organisation remains committed to supporting that pathway by identifying and developing young talent through structured grassroots competition.

Following the girls’ tournament, YFL will host its flagship Next Cup Tournament from April 4-5 at the UWI Mona Bowl. Open to clubs, schools, and academies, the tournament promises high-energy competition across multiple age groups.

A standout feature of the Next Cup is the crowning of an Overall Champion, awarded to the team, club, or academy that accumulates the most points across all age groups, from U7 to U15. This format encourages participation and development across both younger and older age groups.

YFL also sent congratulations to Ballaz Academy, winners of the inaugural Overall Champion title in 2025.

“Their achievement of entering every age group from U7 to U15 and finishing in the top three across all categories set a higher standard for excellence and commitment in youth football,” read the release.

The 2026 season will culminate with the prestigious Champions Cup, an invitation-only tournament featuring the top four primary schools and top four preparatory schools in Jamaica. This event continues to showcase the very best of schoolboy football at the grassroots level.

Since 2022, with roots dating back to 2013, the YFL has rapidly become one of the most impactful grassroots football platforms in Jamaica. YFL continues to distinguish itself by rewarding participation and performance, offering players, coaches, and teams meaningful incentives.

A key pillar of the YFL is the Gears for Greatness initiative, which encourages persons to donate new or gently used football equipment. These items are then distributed to boys and girls participating in the tournaments who may not otherwise have access to proper gears. This initiative ensures that no child is left behind because of a lack of resources, and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and development.

For the 2026 season, YFL welcomes Flow as an official partner, bringing exciting mobile prizes to participants across all tournaments.

“We extend special thanks to Kemtek, a major sponsor across all our tournaments, as well as Pure Water, ICWI, Funland Jamaica, The Gleaner, and Gatorade, for their invaluable contributions.”

YFL is owned and executed by FYI Consultancy Group.

“We are proud of the role we have played in reshaping the youth football landscape in Jamaica. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, well-organised tournaments that support player development,” said Pinnock.

With two weekends of back-to-back football action, strong partnerships, and a continued focus on youth development, the YFL 2026 season promises to be its most exciting yet.

Registration for all 2026 Youth Football League tournaments is now open, and teams are encouraged to secure their spots early at www.youthfootballleagueja.com.