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		<title><![CDATA[Football Jamaica Discussions - Portal]]></title>
		<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Football Jamaica Discussions - https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:12:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<generator>MyBB</generator>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Schoolboy football scores September 18 2026]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-156.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:33:23 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-156.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/schoolboy-scores-09-18-2026.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: schoolboy-scores-09-18-2026.png]" class="mycode_img" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/schoolboy-scores-09-18-2026.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: schoolboy-scores-09-18-2026.png]" class="mycode_img" />]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ferncourt High Vs. Porus 2 - 5]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-155.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:09:57 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-155.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/fhs-Porus.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: fhs-Porus.png]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
Ferncourt tasted defeat at the hands of Porus.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/fhs-Porus.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: fhs-Porus.png]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
Ferncourt tasted defeat at the hands of Porus.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Submit Your List of Proven Elite Schoolboy Goalkeepers]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-154.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:40:21 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=3">johntom</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-154.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Jamaican-Schoolboy-Goalkeeper.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Jamaican-Schoolboy-Goalkeeper.png]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
Continuing off the subject in this thread, which only focused on 91-94   <a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/Thread-Gschool-boy-goalkeeper" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/...goalkeeper</a><br />
<br />
Here are some more goalkeeper names and/or nicknames that I can remember off the top of my head:<br />
- France (Buddy West) - daCosta Cup <br />
- Reggie  - daCosta cup and then Chelsea Utd (st. anns bay)<br />
- Tulloch (Peter or Paul) daCosata cup and then Steer Town United<br />
- Cattnot (played schoolboy and for Volvo United) <br />
- <br />
<br />
what are the Manning or daCosta Cup keeps you can remember, bring them forward to light now.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Jamaican-Schoolboy-Goalkeeper.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Jamaican-Schoolboy-Goalkeeper.png]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
Continuing off the subject in this thread, which only focused on 91-94   <a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/Thread-Gschool-boy-goalkeeper" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/...goalkeeper</a><br />
<br />
Here are some more goalkeeper names and/or nicknames that I can remember off the top of my head:<br />
- France (Buddy West) - daCosta Cup <br />
- Reggie  - daCosta cup and then Chelsea Utd (st. anns bay)<br />
- Tulloch (Peter or Paul) daCosata cup and then Steer Town United<br />
- Cattnot (played schoolboy and for Volvo United) <br />
- <br />
<br />
what are the Manning or daCosta Cup keeps you can remember, bring them forward to light now.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Sterling Say Him Guilty]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-153.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:16:37 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-153.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[But of course -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">Raheem Sterling </span></span>pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15, 2026, to charges of dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen. <br />
<br />
The ruling follows a single-vehicle collision involving his Lamborghini Urus on the M3 motorway on May 28, 2026.  Key details of the case include:<br />
<br />
Court Outcome: Sterling was granted unconditional bail and issued an interim driving disqualification pending sentencing. <br />
<br />
Sentencing Decision: District Judge Kirsty Allman ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared.  A future hearing on November 25, 2026, will determine whether sentencing occurs in the magistrates' court or is sent to the crown court. <br />
<br />
Potential Penalty: If convicted of dangerous driving, Sterling faces up to two years in prison. <br />
<br />
Incident Details: Witnesses reported Sterling driving erratically while inhaling from a balloon; he crashed into a metal gate, causing substantial damage to the vehicle.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[But of course -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">Raheem Sterling </span></span>pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15, 2026, to charges of dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen. <br />
<br />
The ruling follows a single-vehicle collision involving his Lamborghini Urus on the M3 motorway on May 28, 2026.  Key details of the case include:<br />
<br />
Court Outcome: Sterling was granted unconditional bail and issued an interim driving disqualification pending sentencing. <br />
<br />
Sentencing Decision: District Judge Kirsty Allman ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared.  A future hearing on November 25, 2026, will determine whether sentencing occurs in the magistrates' court or is sent to the crown court. <br />
<br />
Potential Penalty: If convicted of dangerous driving, Sterling faces up to two years in prison. <br />
<br />
Incident Details: Witnesses reported Sterling driving erratically while inhaling from a balloon; he crashed into a metal gate, causing substantial damage to the vehicle.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[dCup Zone Standings as of Sept 11th 2026]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-152.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:34:37 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-152.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-A.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-A.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-B.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-B.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-C-Standings.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-C-Standings.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-E.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-E.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-F.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-F.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-G.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-G.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-H.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-H.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-I.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-I.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-A.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-A.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-B.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-B.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-C-Standings.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-C-Standings.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-E.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-E.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-F.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-F.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-G.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-G.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-H.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-H.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Zone-I.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Zone-I.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Christiana Defeats Tivoli 3 - 0]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-151.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:18:36 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-151.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Christiana-High-vs-Tivoli-Gardens.3-0.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Christiana-High-vs-Tivoli-Gardens.3-0.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/Christiana-High-vs-Tivoli-Gardens.3-0.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Christiana-High-vs-Tivoli-Gardens.3-0.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[All Even Between Clarendon College and St. Jago 1-1]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-150.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:06:21 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-150.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/clarendon-college-vs-st-jago.1-1.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: clarendon-college-vs-st-jago.1-1.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/clarendon-college-vs-st-jago.1-1.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: clarendon-college-vs-st-jago.1-1.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Wolmers Boys Defeat Maggotty 2-1]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-149.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:03:29 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-149.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/wolmers-boys-vs-Maggotty.2-1.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: wolmers-boys-vs-Maggotty.2-1.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/wolmers-boys-vs-Maggotty.2-1.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: wolmers-boys-vs-Maggotty.2-1.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" />]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[High Schools in St. Ann setting trends]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-148.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:59:49 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=3">johntom</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-148.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">I hope this gets followed!</div>
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/match-and-jerseys.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: match-and-jerseys.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<br />
<img src="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/smilies/biggrin.png" alt="Big Grin" title="Big Grin" class="smilie smilie_4" /> Right so a home game is coming up against Porus this Friday, but that's not all. I love the idea that we can purchase a Jersey at the game; something we never could do. I hope Tegat will produce a game by game newsletter that we can buy and keep as memorabalia too.<br />
<br />
Listen, all of us in Jamaica that's fond of football, a FHS fan, or just want to support something unique until it becomes the normal thing, show up. If you can't show up, send a friend come pick up a Jersey while they're watching the game. I'm going to tag all who I can on here, something I don't usually do, because dem ting ya serious fi di community!<br />
<br />
Put yuh pickney pon a taxi and tell them fi come off outta Drax hall field, and go watch the game, plus pick up a Jersey as support. The more experience your kid gain at a younger age, the more equipped they are to know what they want to do throughout their lives.<br />
<br />
Dem a watch the refs, the lines man, the coach with A licence, the one with a D licence, and even the ones with the new C coaching badge. Sno cone person, sky juice fellow. Individual business people like Jelly and cane salesperson. Let them take it all in, because it's a story, and it's an even showing that they too can become athletes. Take it from me, it nuh easy a walk up and down inna that sun, muchless a run up and down. <br />
<br />
Show up fi represent the school. Show up fi the game, or the factor that the kids are still active. Show for the kids, for the programme, and you don't need to talk, just make your actions do the talking. I'll see you out there; feel free to come say high and have a laugh.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">I hope this gets followed!</div>
<img src="https://footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/userupload/match-and-jerseys.jpeg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: match-and-jerseys.jpeg]" class="mycode_img" /><br />
<br />
<img src="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/images/smilies/biggrin.png" alt="Big Grin" title="Big Grin" class="smilie smilie_4" /> Right so a home game is coming up against Porus this Friday, but that's not all. I love the idea that we can purchase a Jersey at the game; something we never could do. I hope Tegat will produce a game by game newsletter that we can buy and keep as memorabalia too.<br />
<br />
Listen, all of us in Jamaica that's fond of football, a FHS fan, or just want to support something unique until it becomes the normal thing, show up. If you can't show up, send a friend come pick up a Jersey while they're watching the game. I'm going to tag all who I can on here, something I don't usually do, because dem ting ya serious fi di community!<br />
<br />
Put yuh pickney pon a taxi and tell them fi come off outta Drax hall field, and go watch the game, plus pick up a Jersey as support. The more experience your kid gain at a younger age, the more equipped they are to know what they want to do throughout their lives.<br />
<br />
Dem a watch the refs, the lines man, the coach with A licence, the one with a D licence, and even the ones with the new C coaching badge. Sno cone person, sky juice fellow. Individual business people like Jelly and cane salesperson. Let them take it all in, because it's a story, and it's an even showing that they too can become athletes. Take it from me, it nuh easy a walk up and down inna that sun, muchless a run up and down. <br />
<br />
Show up fi represent the school. Show up fi the game, or the factor that the kids are still active. Show for the kids, for the programme, and you don't need to talk, just make your actions do the talking. I'll see you out there; feel free to come say high and have a laugh.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[JFF Makes Coaching Licence Mandatory as Jamaica Expands Coach Education]]></title>
			<link>https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-147.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:08:40 +0100</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/member.php?action=profile&uid=8">fbjnewsie</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-147.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">KINGSTON, Jamaica —</span> A new era of professionalism in Jamaican football coaching is taking shape as the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) moves to make coaching certification a requirement for participation in its sanctioned competitions.<br />
<br />
Effective <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">August 23, 2026</span>, all coaches participating in JFF-sanctioned competitions are required to hold a valid JFF Coaching Licence. The move represents a significant step in the Federation’s effort to establish consistent coaching standards across the sport, from grassroots football through the competitive and elite levels. <br />
<br />
The JFF’s Head of Coach Education, Chase Roberts, has urged coaches, clubs, schools and football administrators to ensure that they meet the requirements.<br />
<br />
The licensing system, according to Roberts, is designed to do more than simply place a qualification beside a coach’s name. It provides a framework for demonstrating that coaches possess the knowledge and competencies required to work effectively and responsibly in their particular football environment. <br />
 <br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">More than experience</span></span></span><br />
For many years, Jamaican football has relied heavily on coaches whose qualifications have varied considerably from parish competitions and school football to club and national programmes.<br />
<br />
The new requirement seeks to change that culture by making formal coach education an essential part of participation in sanctioned football.<br />
<br />
Roberts stressed that years of experience in football do not, by themselves, replace the need for certification. The licence is intended to validate a coach’s competencies and ensure that the individual has completed the appropriate education and documentation required to operate in the football environment. <br />
<br />
The requirement also incorporates broader considerations, including safeguarding documentation and other requirements associated with becoming a certified coach.<br />
<br />
The JFF has spent much of 2026 educating stakeholders about the new system, including through its two-day 2026 Coaching Conference, which attracted approximately 100 participants. The conference was used to further explain the licensing process and help coaches understand what they must do to remain eligible to participate in JFF competitions. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The C Diploma: an important step</span></span></span><br />
One of the most important developments in Jamaica's coaching structure is the increased availability of the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Concacaf C Diploma</span>, which is now being delivered locally on a much broader scale.<br />
<br />
The C Diploma sits within the Concacaf coaching education pathway and is the entry point to its advanced coaching pathway. It is designed primarily for coaches working in grassroots, non-elite and non-professional football. <br />
 <br />
The course is not simply about learning drills or formations. It is designed to develop the coach’s ability to work with players, plan and deliver effective training sessions, communicate with teams, demonstrate leadership and create safe and inclusive football environments.  <br />
<br />
Successful coaches can subsequently progress through the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">B, A and Pro Diploma</span> levels, creating a structured pathway for those who want to make coaching a career.<br />
For Jamaica, the expansion of the C Diploma is particularly significant because it makes higher-level coach education more accessible to coaches outside the traditional elite football centres.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Thirteen C Diploma courses scheduled</span></span></span><br />
The scale of the JFF's 2026 programme demonstrates the Federation's intention to take coaching education beyond Kingston.<br />
The JFF's 2026 Coaching Education Calendar lists <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">13 Concacaf C Diploma courses</span> at venues across Jamaica. The early courses include programmes at Manchester High School in Mandeville, Eltham High School in Spanish Town, the JFF Technical Centre in Kingston, Morant Bay High School in St Thomas, Drax Hall in St Ann and Central High School in May Pen. JFF Football <br />
<br />
The courses are delivered in blocks, allowing coaches to continue their football and professional commitments while completing the programme.<br />
<br />
This represents a major expansion from the situation just a few years ago, when Jamaica had a relatively small pool of C-licensed coaches and frequently depended on overseas expertise to deliver higher-level coaching education.<br />
<br />
In 2023, the JFF's move to develop its own coach educators was described as a potential game-changer for local football. Coaches who completed a FIFA/Concacaf coach educators programme became qualified to assist with delivering C Licence courses locally, reducing the need to bring overseas experts to Jamaica and creating the capacity to offer more courses around the island.  <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Building a coaching pathway</span></span></span><br />
The current system represents a progression from grassroots development to elite coaching.<br />
<br />
Jamaica's coaching structure includes the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">D, C, B, A and Pro</span> levels, with the D level focused on grassroots introduction and the higher levels progressively addressing more advanced coaching environments. The Jamaican Government has also supported the expansion of coach education, including a 2024 initiative that provided opportunities for hundreds of school coaches to pursue the D Licence.  <br />
<br />
The C Diploma therefore occupies an important middle ground. It provides coaches with a formal foundation in modern football coaching while also creating a pathway towards the B Diploma and eventually the A and Pro levels.<br />
That pathway is increasingly important as Jamaica seeks to raise the standard of football at every level. The JFF's own development strategy has increasingly emphasised the principle that better coaching produces better player development.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A new standard for Jamaican football</span></span></span><br />
The mandatory licensing rule will place greater responsibility on clubs, schools, parish associations and individual coaches to ensure that their technical staff are properly qualified.<br />
<br />
For coaches, however, the change can also be viewed as an opportunity.<br />
<br />
Rather than treating certification simply as a requirement for entering a competition, the JFF is positioning coach education as part of the long-term development of the Jamaican game.<br />
<br />
The introduction of the Concacaf C Diploma on a wider national scale means that coaches now have greater access to structured education without necessarily having to leave their parish or travel overseas.<br />
<br />
Jamaica was formally approved at the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">C Diploma level of the Concacaf Coaching Convention in 2025</span>, reinforcing the country's integration into the regional framework for coach education and licensing. <br />
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With the licensing requirement now in effect, the message from the JFF is clear: coaching football in Jamaica is becoming a more professional discipline, and participation in sanctioned competition will increasingly depend not only on what a coach has learned through years around the game, but on what that coach can demonstrate through recognised education, competency and certification.<br />
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For players, clubs and the wider football community, the ultimate objective is straightforward — <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">better-qualified coaches, better-developed players and a stronger Jamaican game.</span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">KINGSTON, Jamaica —</span> A new era of professionalism in Jamaican football coaching is taking shape as the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) moves to make coaching certification a requirement for participation in its sanctioned competitions.<br />
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Effective <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">August 23, 2026</span>, all coaches participating in JFF-sanctioned competitions are required to hold a valid JFF Coaching Licence. The move represents a significant step in the Federation’s effort to establish consistent coaching standards across the sport, from grassroots football through the competitive and elite levels. <br />
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The JFF’s Head of Coach Education, Chase Roberts, has urged coaches, clubs, schools and football administrators to ensure that they meet the requirements.<br />
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The licensing system, according to Roberts, is designed to do more than simply place a qualification beside a coach’s name. It provides a framework for demonstrating that coaches possess the knowledge and competencies required to work effectively and responsibly in their particular football environment. <br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">More than experience</span></span></span><br />
For many years, Jamaican football has relied heavily on coaches whose qualifications have varied considerably from parish competitions and school football to club and national programmes.<br />
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The new requirement seeks to change that culture by making formal coach education an essential part of participation in sanctioned football.<br />
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Roberts stressed that years of experience in football do not, by themselves, replace the need for certification. The licence is intended to validate a coach’s competencies and ensure that the individual has completed the appropriate education and documentation required to operate in the football environment. <br />
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The requirement also incorporates broader considerations, including safeguarding documentation and other requirements associated with becoming a certified coach.<br />
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The JFF has spent much of 2026 educating stakeholders about the new system, including through its two-day 2026 Coaching Conference, which attracted approximately 100 participants. The conference was used to further explain the licensing process and help coaches understand what they must do to remain eligible to participate in JFF competitions. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The C Diploma: an important step</span></span></span><br />
One of the most important developments in Jamaica's coaching structure is the increased availability of the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Concacaf C Diploma</span>, which is now being delivered locally on a much broader scale.<br />
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The C Diploma sits within the Concacaf coaching education pathway and is the entry point to its advanced coaching pathway. It is designed primarily for coaches working in grassroots, non-elite and non-professional football. <br />
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The course is not simply about learning drills or formations. It is designed to develop the coach’s ability to work with players, plan and deliver effective training sessions, communicate with teams, demonstrate leadership and create safe and inclusive football environments.  <br />
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Successful coaches can subsequently progress through the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">B, A and Pro Diploma</span> levels, creating a structured pathway for those who want to make coaching a career.<br />
For Jamaica, the expansion of the C Diploma is particularly significant because it makes higher-level coach education more accessible to coaches outside the traditional elite football centres.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Thirteen C Diploma courses scheduled</span></span></span><br />
The scale of the JFF's 2026 programme demonstrates the Federation's intention to take coaching education beyond Kingston.<br />
The JFF's 2026 Coaching Education Calendar lists <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">13 Concacaf C Diploma courses</span> at venues across Jamaica. The early courses include programmes at Manchester High School in Mandeville, Eltham High School in Spanish Town, the JFF Technical Centre in Kingston, Morant Bay High School in St Thomas, Drax Hall in St Ann and Central High School in May Pen. JFF Football <br />
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The courses are delivered in blocks, allowing coaches to continue their football and professional commitments while completing the programme.<br />
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This represents a major expansion from the situation just a few years ago, when Jamaica had a relatively small pool of C-licensed coaches and frequently depended on overseas expertise to deliver higher-level coaching education.<br />
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In 2023, the JFF's move to develop its own coach educators was described as a potential game-changer for local football. Coaches who completed a FIFA/Concacaf coach educators programme became qualified to assist with delivering C Licence courses locally, reducing the need to bring overseas experts to Jamaica and creating the capacity to offer more courses around the island.  <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Building a coaching pathway</span></span></span><br />
The current system represents a progression from grassroots development to elite coaching.<br />
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Jamaica's coaching structure includes the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">D, C, B, A and Pro</span> levels, with the D level focused on grassroots introduction and the higher levels progressively addressing more advanced coaching environments. The Jamaican Government has also supported the expansion of coach education, including a 2024 initiative that provided opportunities for hundreds of school coaches to pursue the D Licence.  <br />
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The C Diploma therefore occupies an important middle ground. It provides coaches with a formal foundation in modern football coaching while also creating a pathway towards the B Diploma and eventually the A and Pro levels.<br />
That pathway is increasingly important as Jamaica seeks to raise the standard of football at every level. The JFF's own development strategy has increasingly emphasised the principle that better coaching produces better player development.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A new standard for Jamaican football</span></span></span><br />
The mandatory licensing rule will place greater responsibility on clubs, schools, parish associations and individual coaches to ensure that their technical staff are properly qualified.<br />
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For coaches, however, the change can also be viewed as an opportunity.<br />
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Rather than treating certification simply as a requirement for entering a competition, the JFF is positioning coach education as part of the long-term development of the Jamaican game.<br />
<br />
The introduction of the Concacaf C Diploma on a wider national scale means that coaches now have greater access to structured education without necessarily having to leave their parish or travel overseas.<br />
<br />
Jamaica was formally approved at the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">C Diploma level of the Concacaf Coaching Convention in 2025</span>, reinforcing the country's integration into the regional framework for coach education and licensing. <br />
<br />
With the licensing requirement now in effect, the message from the JFF is clear: coaching football in Jamaica is becoming a more professional discipline, and participation in sanctioned competition will increasingly depend not only on what a coach has learned through years around the game, but on what that coach can demonstrate through recognised education, competency and certification.<br />
<br />
For players, clubs and the wider football community, the ultimate objective is straightforward — <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">better-qualified coaches, better-developed players and a stronger Jamaican game.</span>]]></content:encoded>
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