PBS Jamaica backs team Jamaica for FIDA International Cup in South Korea

PBS Jamaica has thrown its full support behind Team Jamaica as the national Drone Soccer team prepares to represent the island at the FIDA International Cup in the Republic of Korea from July 15–17, reaffirming its commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and youth innovation.

The sponsorship comes as Team Jamaica continues its remarkable rise on the international stage, carrying the nation’s flag into one of the world’s premier drone sports competitions. PBS Jamaica, a leading technology solutions provider, says the partnership reflects its mission of empowering the next generation through technology, innovation and digital transformation.

General Manager of PBS Jamaica, Vennis Williamson, congratulated the team on earning the opportunity to compete internationally and encouraged the young athletes as they prepare for the global competition.

“PBS Jamaica is proud to support Jamaica Drone Soccer as the team prepares to represent Jamaica at the FIDA International Cup in the Republic of Korea from July 15-17. Representing Jamaica at an international competition is a tremendous achievement, and we congratulate the team on earning the opportunity to compete on the world stage,” Williamson said. 

Drone Soccer is about much more than competition. It brings together technology, engineering, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving in a way that inspires young people to learn, innovate and discover what they are capable of.

At PBS, she said they believed experiences like these help prepare young people for the future. “They encourage an interest in STEM, provide practical exposure to technology and develop skills that will be valuable wherever their careers take them. We commend the coaches, parents, volunteers and the Jamaica Drone Soccer Association for the commitment and hard work that have made this journey possible,” Williamson said. 

“To Team Jamaica, thank you for representing our country with pride. We wish you every success in Korea and hope this experience inspires many more young Jamaicans to dream big and embrace the opportunities that technology can create,” she added. 

PBS Jamaica has established itself as one of Jamaica’s leading providers of technology, digital transformation and business solutions. Through strategic partnerships and investments in innovation, the company continues to support initiatives that build digital capacity, strengthen STEM education and equip young Jamaicans with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Its support for Jamaica Drone Soccer aligns with this vision by encouraging practical learning, innovation and career development through emerging technologies.

Although relatively new to the international Drone Soccer community, Jamaica has quickly become one of the sport’s most exciting success stories.

In just one year, Team Jamaica has achieved several historic milestones. In September 2025, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to compete at the FIDA World Cup in South Korea, where the team received both the Spirit of Drone Soccer Award and the Best Rising Star Award in the Class 40 category.

Building on that success, the team captured the Pan Americas National Championship in May 2026 during the Palm Springs International Drone Festival after defeating teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Kazakhstan in the Class 40 category. The victories have significantly elevated Jamaica’s reputation in global technology-based sport while positioning the country as a regional leader in innovation and aerial robotics.

Beyond international competition, the Jamaica Drone Soccer Association continues to use drone technology as a powerful educational and social development tool.

Its DRIFT Drones in School programme and “Harms Down, Drones Up” community initiative introduce students to drone technology, aerial robotics, engineering and innovation while providing meaningful opportunities for young people who may not be engaged through traditional sports or academic pathways.

To date, the combined DRIFT Drones in School and Jamaica Drone Soccer Combined School Tour has impacted more than 40 schools and over 20,000 students across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Schools participating in the programme include Eltham High School, Eltham Park Primary, Norman Gardens Primary, Winston Jones High School, Cross Keys High School, Catherine Hall Primary, Cornwall College, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Knockalva Technical High School, St. George’s College, Irwin Primary School and Irwin High School.

The initiative aims to partner with ministries, educational institutions and public agencies to expand access to drone technology through school demonstrations, establish Aerial Robotics and Drone Soccer clubs, and ultimately create structured inter-school Drone Soccer and aerial robotics competitions across Jamaica.

As Team Jamaica prepares to compete once again on the international stage, the support of corporate partners such as PBS Jamaica underscores the growing recognition of Drone Soccer as more than a sport, it is a platform for education, innovation, workforce development and national pride.

Dervon McKellop, President and Head Coach of the Jamaica Drone Soccer Association, said, “We are extremely grateful to PBS Jamaica for believing in our vision and investing in the future of Jamaica’s young innovators. Their support goes beyond helping us travel to South Korea, it is an investment in STEM education, youth empowerment and the limitless potential of our students,” he said. 

“Representing Jamaica at the FIDA International Cup is an incredible honour and another opportunity to demonstrate that our young people can compete with the very best in the world. Every competition strengthens our mission of inspiring the next generation through technology, teamwork and innovation,” he said. 

With the backing of its supporters and a growing record of international success, Team Jamaica heads to South Korea determined to continue making history while inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers and technology leaders.