Latest News
JC take aim at ISSA all-island double - Cornwall, Garvey Maceo not intimidated by home team in battle for top honours
March 20, 2026
The spotlight will focus on youth football today as the ISSA all-island finals for Under-14 and Under-16 schools take centre stage at Jamaica College (JC) in Kingston, promising an afternoon of high-energy action and emerging talent.
Football lovers can look forward to an exciting Under-14 clash at 2 p.m., where JC will square off against Garvey Maceo in what is expected to be a spirited contest between determined young squads eager to make their mark.
Action will intensify in the Under-16 feature match, as traditional powerhouses JC and Cornwall College (CC) renew their rivalry. Both schools boast strong football legacies, and this encounter is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between two giants, at 4 p.m.
Wayne Palmer, coach of JC's U14 team emphasised the seriousness of the match, noting the importance of winning the trophy and playing the all-island final at home for the first time in the school's history.
"We know this game's gonna be a tough one. We know that we need the trophy, and it's going to be a 'ding-dong battle," Palmer said
The 20-year veteran coach Palmer who has led JC to 17 titles stated that the mood is good, despite a last-minute change to the game date.
"This one is a very important because we are playing this game at home for the first time in the school's history. It will be good if we can win it in front of our home supporters," added Palmer, who expressed gratitude towards their coaching staff contributing significantly to the team's success.
JC defeated Kingston College to crown themselves as the U14 Pepsi and U16 Colts champions in the Corporate Area.
For Lester Hibbert, coach of Garvey Maceo, despite JC having a home advantage, focus will be on their team's resilience and ability to perform well in any setting.
"They are the urban champions, and we are the rural champions, so it's two champions battling. They are tough and we are tough, we are going into the game with a winning mentality," said Hibbert.
The Clarendon-based Garvey Maceo won 4-2 against William Knibb to claim the rural crown.
"Being that we are undefeated all season, the boys are up for the task, because they are here to play football and they are here to showcase their talent. We just have to try to nullify their threats and work on our strengths, to try our best to come out victorious at the end of the day," added Hibbert.
Meanwhile, Cornwall's Tevin Applewhaite acknowledges the support JC will receive from their home crowd, but insists the key to victory is maintaining mental preparedness and focus.
"We just want to keep these boys focused. Once they do that today, they can go there and get the job done," said Applewhaite.
Cornwall cruised through the season unbeaten and dismantled Glenmuir High 4-1 to secure the title.
"I know JC have home advantage so they will have their school support. However, at the end of the day, I know our boys are mentally prepared for the game, so we are not thinking about any advantage or anything," added Applewhaite.
