Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – After the successful completion of a three-year partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), FortisTCI has renewed its commitment to youth football development with the official signing of a new sponsorship agreement spanning another two years. This marks a significant milestone in a partnership that has steadily grown in reach and impact since it began in 2016.

As part of TCIFA’s continued program development, the current FortisTCI Elite Youth Co-ed Football League will evolve into separate leagues for girls and boys. The Elite U14 Girls and Elite U15 Boys Leagues will launch this year, aligning with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF competition calendar. The rotation will continue through 2026 and 2027, ensuring consistent development opportunities for national youth teams.

The new agreement will see further investment in player nutrition, with FortisTCI continuing to provide hydration stations at all league games. FortisTCI employees also volunteer their time to support game-day activities.

The collaboration continues to foster the growth of both grassroots and elite youth football programs, offering children and teens structured opportunities to develop their skills, stay active, and aspire to national and regional representation. Through this alliance, FortisTCI and TCIFA are not only nurturing athletic talent but also helping to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in the next generation.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “Since inception, FortisTCI and the TCIFA have demonstrated a shared commitment to youth football development. We believe in creating every opportunity for our boys and girls to grow through sport—whether they play recreationally or competitively. This partnership created the first competitive youth football leagues across the TCI nine years ago and continues to fuel the dreams of our young football players today. Our sponsorship helps the TCIFA deliver impactful programs with record-breaking participation levels. The success is a team effort, and I take this opportunity to thank the TCIFA, coaches, players, parents and our employee volunteers for their unwavering support of our youth football leagues.”

President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Sonia Fulford-Missick stated: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with FortisTCI as we embark on this exciting new chapter for youth football. Their steadfast support has been pivotal in fostering an environment where young athletes can excel both on and off the field. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to FortisTCI for their hands-on involvement, actively participating alongside us during match days. We are providing tailored opportunities for each group to shine and develop their unique talents. This initiative underscores both our commitments to inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every young player has the chance to reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing our youth excel and represent with pride.”

General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Oliver Smith stated: “The TCIFA’s collaboration with FortisTCI is one that is critical for the development of our male and female youth players. Competition is a necessary ingredient in the maturation of any youth player and this sponsorship allows for annual competition at both the grassroots and the elite level. From these tournaments the TCIFA was able to identify players that matriculated to our Youth National Teams as well as our Senior National Teams. Further some of these players were able to earn football scholarships overseas to further their academic goals. This is the type of sponsorship by corporate citizens that feeds and nourishes the TCIFA’s primary goal of developing the sport of football in the country and we once again say a public thank you to FortisTCI and its energetic staff.”

FortisTCI and the TCIFA launched the Grassroots Football League in 2017, starting with over 280 players in Providenciales. By 2018, the program expanded to North and Middle Caicos, Grand Turk, and South Caicos, with consistent growth despite the pandemic’s temporary disruption. In 2020, FortisTCI elevated its support by becoming a Diamond Sponsor through a three-year, $120,000 agreement. Since then, the partnership has introduced competitive leagues for boys and girls and continues to serve as a pipeline for national team selections. With a record 350 participants in the 2024 Grassroots Football League, FortisTCI remains committed to building communities and empowering young people through sport.

Providenciales, Thursday, April 13th, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association’s grassroots football program has been instrumental in providing young individuals with the resources and opportunities they need to excel. With Carlisle Supplies’ continued support, the Providenciales Grassroots Football program will maintain its momentum. This represents their second consecutive year of supporting this initiative. The Providenciales Grassroots Program prominently features branding from both Carlisle Supplies and Kohler, symbolizing the strength of their partnership and their shared values.

Carlisle Supplies’ support underscores the company’s commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Their support ensures that the program is well-equipped to provide quality training and resources to its participants. With an emphasis on inclusivity and opportunity, the collaboration aims to break down barriers for young athletes, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential in both football and personal development. The program continues to see remarkable success, with many participants expressing increased confidence and a stronger sense of community belonging.

“We are delighted that Carlisle Supplies continues to partner with us,” said Oliver Smith, TCIFA General Secretary. “Investing in our community’s future is something we deeply value, and we truly believe that through their support, we can help foster the next generation of leaders and innovators. Their continued commitment not only enhances the opportunities available to our young athletes but also strengthens the fabric of our community as a whole. Through this collaboration, we create an environment where young people can develop their skills, build strong character, and feel inspired. We are grateful for Carlisle Supplies’ unwavering dedication and look forward to seeing the positive impact of our partnership for many years to come.”

The TCIFA and Carlisle Supplies are committed to ensuring that every young participant can pursue their passion for football in a nurturing and resource-rich setting. This collaboration not only strengthens the local sports infrastructure but also reinforces a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community.

For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager/ Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road, Providenciales,                                                                                                                                                             Turks and Caicos Islands 

FIFA Women’s Football Campaign scored with the TCIFA Girls Festivals, spreading joy across Providenciales on March 15th, South Caicos on March 29th, and North Caicos on April 5th! These events are a milestone victory in boosting women’s football and empowering young girls through the magic of the beautiful game, under the theme ‘+Girls, +Goals”.

The Girls Festival, part of FIFA’s global initiative to encourage female participation in football, brought together a number of young girls from various communities. The events were designed to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where participants could learn, play, and grow their football skills. The festivals not only focused on enhancing football skills but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.

“We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm and talent among the young girls in Turks and Caicos,” said Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, TCIFA Director of Women’s Football. “The Girls Festivals were more than just a football event; it’s about inspiring the next generation and breaking down barriers in women’s sports. This successful initiative is still just the beginning, as FIFA continues to work towards increasing opportunities and visibility for women in football worldwide. TCIFA remains committed to hosting similar events and campaigns to empower young girls and promote gender equality in sports.”

Notably, the majority of the girls included were newcomers to the sport. This influx of fresh faces highlighted the festival’s success in reaching out to untapped potential and inspiring a new wave of interest in football among young girls. The excitement and eagerness displayed by these newcomers were infectious, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie that resonated throughout the events. The festivals received support from local communities, parents, and participants. The positive feedback underlines the event’s success in fostering a love for the sport and encouraging young girls to pursue their football dreams.

As each festival came to a close, there was a palpable sense of achievement and optimism. The girls left not only with new and improved football skills but with newfound friendships and a strengthened belief in their capabilities. The impact of these festivals will resonate in the community for years to come, inspiring a future where women’s football is celebrated and supported on equal footing.

TCIFA expresses gratitude to FIFA for their support of the girls’ festivals. These events have truly been a game-changer for the young participants, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences. The collaboration between FIFA and the TCIFA exemplifies a shared vision for empowering young girls through football, laying the foundation for a brighter future in women’s sports. With continued support and dedication, there is no limit to what these young girls can achieve.

For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager/ Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road 

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands