The northern community of Saint Lucia is set for a football revival as the 2026 Kenson Casimir Bay Bay Cup tournament launches with eight competing teams vying for both the championship title and a substantial $10,000 cash prize pool. The competition commences on January 25 at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, marking a significant effort to strengthen grassroots football development and build a more competitive district team.
Officially unveiled on January 20 at the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre, the tournament’s launch ceremony saw the attendance of Member of Parliament and Minister of Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation Kenson Casimir, alongside sponsor representatives, players, coaches, and team administrators. The event featured Casimir ceremonially hoisting the championship cup, signaling the start of the anticipated competition.
Organized under the governance of the Gros Islet Football League, the Bay Bay Cup serves as crucial preparation for teams anticipating participation in the third edition of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League scheduled for June. The tournament field includes notable squads such as reigning national club champions GMC United, defending Bay Cup holders Northern United, warmup soccerama winners Monchy United, and Gros Islet Veterans—the latter featuring Trinidad & Tobago international and Saint Lucia men’s head coach Stern John.
Following the official draw conducted on January 20, Group A placements were awarded to GMC United, Dominators FC, Gros Islet Youth, and invitational team New Generation FC from Babonneau. Group B competitors include Northern United, Monchy United, Veterans, and Police teams.
Matches will be hosted across multiple venues including Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Corinth Playing Field, and Grande Riviere Playing Field. Minister Casimir has additionally expressed intentions to prepare Monchy Playing Field as a fourth venue for the 2027 competition. Game schedules are set for Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring double fixtures each evening.
The 2026 tournament enjoys sponsorship support from Scott’s Sports Shop and the National Lotteries Authority, ensuring enhanced resources for participating teams and elevated competition standards.