As one of the longest-running youth football competitions on the island of Barbados enters its fourth decade of operation, it is getting the most transformative upgrade in its history, with organisers rolling out major changes designed to elevate the event’s regional profile and give rising young talent a world-class stage to showcase their skills.
For 30 years, the BICO Primary School football tournament has nurtured grassroots football talent across Barbados, but this year’s edition will mark a series of firsts that set a new benchmark for youth sports events on the island. The announcement of the revamped schedule and format was made by Zahir Motara, senior coach at the National Sports Council (NSC), during the official launch of the 2024 tournament on Thursday.
Motara confirmed that for the first time ever in the tournament’s history, both the semifinal and final rounds will be hosted at the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Technical Centre in Wildey — the same facility that plays host to international matches and the island’s top-tier Premier League. Most notably, the 2024 championship final scheduled for June 27 will be played under floodlights, a first for any primary school football final in Barbados’ history.
This upgrade is no random change; it is the result of the NSC’s new tiered system framework for all major domestic youth sports events, developed in partnership with the BFA to deliver a more competitive, fan-friendly experience. “This venue will give our young players a professional match environment that truly matches the incredible talent and dedication they bring to the pitch every season,” Motara said, referring to the “dynamite Final Four” round that will kick off the event’s closing stage.
To expand the competition’s reach beyond in-person spectators, organisers are also planning to live stream both the semifinal and final matches. This move will open the tournament up to thousands of football fans across the Caribbean region and around the globe, giving participating young players, event organisers and sponsoring partners the broad exposure their work deserves.
Interest in the 2024 tournament has hit an all-time high, with more than 1,100 young athletes representing 70 primary schools from across Barbados registered to compete. The tournament will officially get underway on May 12, with play split across eight geographic zones named in honour of local Barbadian football icons: the Edward Smith and Frank Holder Zone, Dane Alleyne Zone, Dennis Leacock Zone, Reginald Haynes and Victor “Gas” Clarke Zone, Kenville “Cab” Layne Zone, Keith Griffith Zone, Ricardo Mickey Gibson Zone, and the Adrian Donovan and Michael Foster Zone. A total of 280 matches will be played across the group stage, with playoffs set to launch on June 10.
Long-time sponsor BICO has been onboard for all but two of the tournament’s 30 years, and the company’s general manager Audley Grimes reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to nurturing Barbadian youth. “At BICO, we know our role in this community goes far beyond the products and services we provide. It is rooted in building up the next generation and strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together,” Grimes said. “This tournament lives out that belief, giving kids space to grow their confidence, learn teamwork, and build the discipline that will serve them for life.”
West Terrace Primary will enter the 2024 tournament as the defending champions, ready to defend their title against a field of hungry rising teams across the island.