International players to provide formidable competition for face Cayman Islands National U14 Boys Team and Academy Sports Club U14s
The home club of international football icon Lionel Messi is sending some of its top youth players to compete against the Cayman Islands National U14 Boys Team, the Jamaica National Boys U14 Team and local side Academy Sports Club in a tournament here this weekend.
The Cayman Islands Under-14 Youth Football Tournament is set to kick off on Friday, 7 June at Ed Bush Sports Complex in West Bay at 6:30 p.m. with Academy SC U14 vs Cayman Islands National U14, followed by Inter Miami U14 vs Jamaica National U14 at 8:00 p.m.
Action picks back up Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. with Inter Miami U14 vs Academy SC U14 with Jamaica National U14 vs Cayman Islands U14 at 11:30 a.m. Saturday’s matches are scheduled for the morning (10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.) to allow fans to also be able to enjoy the FIFA Men’s World Cup Qualifier between the Cayman Islands and Antigua and Barbuda in the evening.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday evening at Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Jamaica National U14 faces Academy SC U14 at 6:00 p.m. and Cayman Islands National U14 vs Inter Miami U14 at 7:30 p.m. The team with the most points wins the cup. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive the Renard Moxam Trophy in honour of the Cayman Islands football legend.
The West Bay Sports Foundation is putting on the event in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA), the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage, and the Ministry of Tourism and Ports. Admission to the matches is free of charge.
“The West Bay Sports Foundation continues our goal to inspire the next generation to fulfil their potential. Having a tournament featuring the quality of teams that we have brought together is a great opportunity for our youth to not only see their peers playing competitively but to be inspired to pursue their dreams,” said Tournament Director Arden Rivers.
Rivers encouraged the community to come out and enjoy some wholesome fun, while cheering on the Cayman Islands National Boys U14 Team as they prepare to compete in the Caribbean Football Union tournament this August.
Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) President, Alfredo Whittaker, welcomed the event. “I’m delighted that the West Bay Sports Foundation saw the benefit in bringing this tournament back. Events like this provide valuable exposure to our young players against international opponents, which is critical for their development and timely as our players get ready to face some of the best players in their age group from across the Caribbean this summer.”
Minister of Youth, Sports and Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine, said: “I am delighted to support this tournament through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage, as it provides an excellent opportunity for the development of our youth. I look forward to seeing our young men put their best foot forward as the represent the Cayman Islands. Hopefully, others will be inspired by what they witness on the field to pursue their passions through sports.”
Minister of Tourism and Ports, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, said he was pleased to see the return of international youth football as an important part of Cayman’s ports tourism landscape.
“Tournaments such as this not only assist in the development of our young people but also drive visitation to the Cayman Islands. I’m particularly pleased to see the calibre of teams that the West Bay Sports Foundation has been able to attract as part of this tournament and I look forward to its growth in the future,” said Minister Bryan.
The tournament schedule is:
Friday, 7 June: Ed Bush Sports Complex:
6:30 p.m. Academy SC U14 vs Cayman Islands National U14
8:00 p.m. Inter Miami CF U14 vs Jamaica National U14
Saturday, 8 June: Ed Bush Sports Complex
10:00 a.m. Inter Miami CS U14 vs Academy SC U14
11:30 a.m. Jamaica National U14 vs Cayman Islands National U14
Sunday, 9 June: Truman Bodden Sports Complex
6:00 p.m. Jamaica National U14 vs Academy SC U14
7:30 p.m. Cayman Islands National U14 vs Inter Miami U14
Admission to all matches is free of charge.
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