ISSA Reshapes Manning and daCosta Cup Formats for 2026 Schoolboy Football Season

Jamaica's Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has unveiled a broad overhaul of its schoolboy football programme ahead of the 2026 season, touching the Manning Cup, daCosta Cup, Walker Cup, and Ben Francis Cup.

ISSA president Keith Wellington said the updated competition models followed extensive consultation across the sport. He said the aim is to raise the level of play, lower running costs, and deliver a better experience for athletes and spectators alike.

For the Manning and daCosta Cup, the revised setup will bring in seeded teams and a group-stage second round. Across the cup slate, every eligible side will now gain a place in the knockout phase.

Wellington said the restructuring should cut the overall match count, give players more recovery time between fixtures, and help restore the standing of the cup tournaments on the school sports calendar.