The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is working diligently to restart the Manning and DaCosta Cups, two of Jamaica’s premier high school football competitions, by the end of November. The tournaments were abruptly halted at the round-of-16 stage on October 24 due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that severely affected southern and western Jamaica. Schools in these regions, along with their surrounding parishes, are still grappling with the aftermath, complicating efforts to resume the competitions.
ISSA’s executive body has held multiple meetings with stakeholders, including school officials, sponsors, and government representatives, to assess the feasibility of restarting the tournaments. While no definitive decision has been made, ISSA Competitions Officer Ewan Scott indicated that late November is the target timeframe. ‘We’re exploring all possibilities and aiming for a consensus,’ Scott stated. ‘The hope is to complete both the Manning and DaCosta Cups before the year ends.’
However, challenges remain. Some schools, such as Maldon High in St. James and Maggotty High in St. Elizabeth, have expressed concerns about player safety and readiness. Additionally, sponsors are hesitant to commit to immediate resumption, given the ongoing recovery efforts across the island. Many schools, including those participating in the DaCosta Cup, have yet to reopen for regular classes.
ISSA is also considering separate timelines for other competitions. The Under-14 and Under-16 tournaments, originally scheduled for late October, are likely to be postponed to January. Similarly, the Champions Cup, an all-island knockout competition, may also be pushed to early next year. The fate of the Walker Cup and Ben Francis Cup, urban and rural knockout tournaments, remains uncertain.
Despite these hurdles, ISSA remains optimistic. Scott emphasized that the organization is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants while striving to complete the competitions. ‘We’re looking at late November thereabouts,’ he said, ‘but we’ll continue to consult with all stakeholders to make the best decision.’