1500 Players ready for Grace Mighty Malt Victory Cup Kick Up

Grace Mighty Malt, in partnership with ProNation Sports for the third consecutive year, are rearing and ready to go for the seventh staging of the Grace Mighty Malt Victory Cup scheduled to take place on July 4th and 5th at the UWI Mona Bowl from 8am to 6pm. 

Known as the largest youth football tournament in the Caribbean, the event will see some 1500 players from over 90 teams across the island compete for the Cup. The two-day tournament will give both boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 17 years the opportunity to showcase their talents and sportsmanship. 

Since its inception, ProNation Sports has been dedicated to the development of Jamaica’s emerging football talent. This led to the launch of the Victory Cup in 2019. Initially starting with 30 teams, the competition has grown immensely to now over 90 teams and counting. Despite at two year hiatus due to Covid-19, ProNation Sports has been able to recover from the lost time with the aid of Title Sponsor, Grace Mighty Malt for the last two years. 

Speaking at the launch held on July 1st, Brand Manager, Beverages at Grace Foods and Services, Kristina Hill, reinforced Grace Mighty Malt’s commitment to youth football, “Grace Mighty Malt has a long-standing commitment to grassroots football because we believe sport has the power to shape lives and futures. It teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership, while creating opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field.”

She continued, “That is why we continue to invest in initiatives like the Victory Cup. Through the GRACE Good Move programme, we’re supporting opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen communities and help young people realise their potential. This tournament is about much more than football. It provides young athletes with access to quality competition, mentorship and meaningful exposure, while creating pathways for their personal growth and sporting development.”

Since joining forces with ProNation Sports in 2024, Grace Mighty Malt’s sponsorship, delivered through the GRACE Good Move programme, has enhanced the vision of the tournament, investing meaningfully in Jamaica’s youth, community and future. The partnership has benefitted both players and coaches, providing mentorship and educational funding for continued studies, in addition to elite football training and talent development. 

Grace Mighty Malt’s continued investment has helped fuel the remarkable growth of the Victory Cup, with the tournament expanding significantly in both participation and reach over the years. As its profile has grown, so too has interest in grassroots football, inspiring more young people to get involved in the sport. According to tournament organisers, each staging has led to the establishment of at least one new football academy, creating more opportunities for young players across the island to develop their talents in safe, structured environments and contributing to the continued growth of Jamaica’s grassroots football ecosystem.

Director of ProNation Sports, Gregory Jones, followed up, stating how beneficial Grace Mighty Malt has been in the growth of the Victory Cup. “I want to just say a huge thank you to our title sponsor, Grace Mighty Malt. Without their investment and continuous support, we would not have been able to sustain this growth, keep the registration fees affordable, or support the development of our young footballers. Importantly, this partnership also allows us to award educational scholarships of $50,000 JMD to two student athletes who are successful in their applications.”

Jones went on to note the wider impact that Grace Mighty Malt’s sponsorship has had on the growth of football academies in Jamaica. “These tournaments are needed, and they are necessary. We truly are nurturing the next generation of Jamaica’s great footballers. Ten years ago, we didn’t have 5 academies in Kingston, and now we have over 30, with more in other parishes across the island. With Grace Mighty Malt’s investment in grassroots football, more kids from all walks of life are playing football.”

This year’s tournament will also see, for the first time, the participation of an U-9 international all-boys team from New York called Young Stars. Guest Speaker and CEO of the Phoenix Academy, Craig Butler, praised Director Jones for his openness to continue to grow the competition. “I truly appreciate Coach Jones for his willingness to bring in teams from various socioeconomic backgrounds and giving them a chance to play.”

Omar McFarlane, JFF Operations Manager & Reggae Boyz Ambassador, also spoke at the launch, lauding all parties involved for giving children an opportunity to play the sport. “Every Reggae Boy and Girl started somewhere, and tournaments like this are where the journey begins. This journey is not just about football, it’s a journey of learning discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship; values that will carry these children far beyond the game of football.”

As the tournament gets underway, Catherine’s Peak will keep players and spectators refreshed as the official Hydration Sponsor, while Hot Dog King will provide delicious food and refreshments throughout the weekend. Together, they will help ensure players, families, and supporters enjoy the full Victory Cup experience.