National Futsal Championship launched

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Futsal Championship, which was launched on Thursday, will kick off on Saturday, May 16 at Legacy 5 in Runaway Bay, in St Ann.

Twenty-eight teams will compete, divided into four regions: North Eastern (St Ann, Portland, St Mary); North Western (St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, Trelawny); South Western (Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth) and South Eastern (Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, St Thomas).

The launch, organised by the Jamaica Futsal and Scrimmage Association, took place at the offices of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on Friday, with the “Super Final” set for June 6.

President of Jamaica Futsal and Scrimmage Association, Dr Curven Whyte, said Friday’s press conference was more than the launch of a competition; it was the continuation of a vision, a movement grounded in development, opportunity, discipline and national progress.

“Since 2024, the JFSA has been intensely laying the foundation for the structured growth of futsal in Jamaica, and so what we have is a vision and the strategic planning will quickly evolve into meaningful action across communities, institutions and the wider football landscape,” said Whyte.

He continued: “From this moment in the game, our strategic vision expands well beyond the sport. We are actively pursuing grassroots development programmes, youth academy competitions, expanded female futsal initiative, masters competitions and inclusive opportunities for persons with special needs. We’re also strengthening regional partnerships as we work alongside Caribbean counterparts to advance futsal in the region.”

The competition had the blessing of JFF President Michael Ricketts and Sports Minister Olivia Grange, although she was not in attendance in person, as was Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association.

Twenty-eight teams from the 14 parishes have entered two teams each to be played in a round robin. Based on points, the top two teams from each region will advance to the grand finale on June 6 at the Horace Burrell Centre.

From this tournament, national teams will be selected for various competitions with the aim of entering regional competitions and ultimately qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup.