Star-studded youth lineup set for All-Star Football Competition

Outstanding young footballers from primary, preparatory, and under-14 levels will showcase their skills at the second All-Star Football Competition, set for Sunday, February 2, at the Constant Spring Football Field in St Andrew.

The event will feature top players from the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Preparatory and Primary Schools League and the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Under-14 Football Competition.

Tournament technical director Haron Martin said the best players were selected from the leagues to compete in a series of matches, with more opportunities for younger players to participate this year.

“We wanted to give more players an opportunity to participate,” Martin said. “Last year, each team had 20 players; this year, we have increased the number to 30 players. Based on this, we will split the competition into two teams, A and B. The winners of these matches will compete for the top spot.”

Martin explained that the selection process involved consultation with coaches from teams that reached the quarterfinals of each competition.

The primary school teams include St Aloysius, Rosseau, Mona Heights, and Iris Gelley. Preparatory teams feature players from schools such as Sts. Peter and Paul, Lannaman’s, Vaz Prep, Mona, Hillel, Emanuel Christian Academy, Liberty Academy, Wolmer’s, Hydel, the American International School of Kingston, and El Instituto de Mandevilla.

At the Under-14 level, teams will be divided into "North" and "South" groupings, comprising standout players from Kingston and surrounding areas.

“The South group team will include players from Kingston College, St George’s College, Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Excelsior High, and Holy Trinity,” Martin said.

“For the North group team, 20 players were also selected from schools including Jamaica College, Calabar, Hillel Academy, Campion College, St. Andrew Technical High School, St. Catherine High, and Eltham High.”

The winning teams will receive a trophy to be held by their coaches for one year.

Training sessions leading up to the event have been progressing well, with players eager to impress spectators. “Everyone is ready to go!” Martin said.

Kemar Edwards, head coach of the All-Prep team, praised the quality of talent.

“We have talented individuals from various teams, and they are eager to represent themselves and their schools,” he said.

Leighton Davis, the event’s conceptualizer and tournament director, expressed his commitment to developing grassroots football. “Our main goal is to invest in grassroots football and help grow the sport locally,” Davis said.

Matches are scheduled for 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.