Grace Mighty Malt Victory Cup opens this weekend with 90 teams at UWI Bowl

The 2026 Grace Mighty Malt Victory Cup will start this weekend at the UWI Bowl, with 90 teams set to battle for titles across two days of competition. Matches are scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on both days, as boys from the Under-7 to Under-17 age groups and girls in the Under-16 category take the field.

Organisers say the tournament has expanded sharply since its launch in 2019, when 30 teams took part. Gregory Jones, CEO of ProNation, said that growth reflects the rising level of interest in youth football development across Jamaica.

Jones said that about 10 years ago there were roughly five academies in Kingston, but that number has now climbed to more than 30. He added that academies are now operating in parishes including St. Mary, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and St. Ann, and said the wider network is helping to improve player development by getting more youngsters involved in the game.

The tournament will also feature one overseas entrant this year, with a team travelling from New York to participate. Jones said their inclusion should add to what organisers expect will be a strong weekend of football.

Jamaica Football Federation Operations Manager Omar McFarlane, who attended the launch, said it is significant that one of the region's biggest youth development competitions is being staged in Jamaica. He said football development begins at the grassroots level and argued that more events of this type are needed to help young players grow into contributors to the sport.

Among the teams preparing for the weekend is Nascimento Academy of Rae Town, which is aiming to improve after missing out last year. Waterhouse FC player Tavon Barrett, who will be appearing in the competition for the first time, said his focus is to compete well, give his best and try to win.

Defending champions are also confident. Isabel Simms, who won last year with Emmanuel Christian Academy, said her team is backing itself to retain the title.

The group stage is set for Saturday, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be played on Sunday.