Three former Premier Division champion clubs have entered their youth teams and academies to compete in the third edition of the Antigua Cup International Youth Football Tournament, which kicks off this Sunday, July 5, at the Buckleys Primary School Playing Field.
According to Antigua News Room, four-time top-flight winners Bassa and Parham will join fellow ex-champions Villa Lions in the weeklong competition, which concludes on July 12 and spans five age categories: U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17.
Bassa, who are currently rebuilding after missing the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) season for the past three seasons, replace Attackers, who were among three clubs that shared the U15 title last year.
Also entering for the first time are Premier side Pigotts Bullets Academy, CPTSA Wings, Young Lions of Old Road, Soccer Academy, and Jennings.
They will face defending U17 champions Old Road, Cutting Edge — the reigning U11, U13, and Girls' title holders — joint U15 champions Lion Cubs, and Bath United of Nevis. Empire, Earthquake, Freetown, and host club Young Warriors round out the field.
Organisers say they are humbled by the response from participating teams, describing the lineup as setting the stage for an exciting tournament featuring some of the country's best young talent.
The Antigua Cup opens at 3pm on Sunday with a ceremony including addresses from government and sports officials representing the ABFA, the National Olympic Committee, and the Department of Youth. A parade of teams will follow, with awards presented for Best Disciplined Team, Best Dressed Team, and Best Organised Team.
Matches begin at 4pm on Sunday across the U9, U11, U13, and Girls' divisions.
