FortisTCI and TCIFA Launch Elite Youth Football League

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Wednesday, June 2, 2021) – A new youth football league that will provide high-level competition for Turks and Caicos Islands’ under 17 male football players was launched by FortisTCI and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) on Saturday, May 29, at the TCIFA Academy on Providenciales.

The launch of the FortisTCI Elite Youth Football League marked a return to competitive youth football for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The league features eight teams drawn from Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos and North Caicos, and four matches will be played on Saturdays on Providenciales through July 10. The next round of matches will take place on Saturday, June 12.

Last Saturday’s opening ceremony included a colorful parade of the teams, followed by a series of entertaining matches to mark the start of the competition. Participating at the event were FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, TCIFA President Sonia Missick and Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes.

Speaking at the official launch, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes lauded the ongoing partnership between the company and the TCIFA, which enabled the creation of the Elite Youth Football League in early 2020, with a three-year sponsorship by FortisTCI. The start of the league was, however, delayed by the pandemic.

“I am excited to see our young footballers back on the field of play, and very proud of the partnership between our company and the TCIFA, which has made this new league possible at this time. It reflects how a vision, collaboration, and a commitment to investing in our youth can make dreams a reality,” Mrs. Forbes stated.

“Since partnering with the TCIFA in 2017 to launch the FortisTCI Youth Football league for under 13 boys and girls across the country, FortisTCI has advocated for the continued advancement and expansion of this great sport, and for the work of the TCIFA. This new league allows us to provide high-level competition to our under 17 boys, and it is our hope that they will excel in the sport and go on to represent their country in international tournaments,” she added.

TCIFA President Sonia Missick remarked, “FortisTCI continues to be a true partner to the TCIFA and their commitment to our youth football programs keeps growing. In addition to financial support, we have the benefit of their hands-on involvement in the programs season after season, and we thank them wholeheartedly for their efforts.”

Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes also brought greetings on behalf of the ministry of sports and encouraged the teams to give of their best on and off the field.

Results from Saturday’s games

Provo Falcons 3 vs Provo Lions 2

Provo Jaguars 6 vs Grand Turk Dolphins 0

Grand Turk Dolphins 3 vs Grand Turk Dynamos 8

Provo Lions 2 vs Provo Eagles 2

North Caicos Seals 0 vs Grand Turk Dynamos 8

Provo Falcons 6 vs North Caicos Seals 0

Release: FortisTCI

Photo Captions:

Header: Team representatives and their coaches receive tokens from FortisTCI Corporate Communications Officer & Community Outreach Coordinator Kayla Lightbourne, following the first round of games in the FortisTCI Elite Youth Football League on Saturday, May 29.

1st insert: A Provo Jaguars player goes on a run to goal ahead of his opponent from Grand Turk Dolphins (orange).

2nd insert:FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, addressing football officials, players and coaches at the launch of the FortisTCI Elite Youth Football League on Saturday, May 29.

3rd insert: TCIFA President Sonia Missick at the launch of the FortisTCI Elite Youth Football League on Saturday, May 29, at the TCIFA Academy.

4th insert: A player from North Caicos Seals (grey) fends off his Grand Turk Dynamos opponent in one of the games to mark the start of the FortisTCI Elite Youth Football League.