As the calendar turns to 2026, the City of Lauderhill is preparing to place youth development, international collaboration, and elite competition firmly in the spotlight through the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (C.A.S.A.) and City of Lauderhill Youth Classic Soccer Tournament.
In a statement welcoming the event, Lauderhill Vice Mayor Richard Campbell described the tournament as a fitting way to open what he called a “bright and prosperous New Year,” underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a hub for high-level youth sports and community engagement.
Scheduled for January 15-18, the four-day showcase will be staged at Lauderhill Sports Park, located at 7500 West Oakland Park Boulevard, and will feature top-tier players between the ages of 15 and 20, all competing with one clear objective: exposure, development, and the pursuit of college scholarship opportunities.
A platform where talent meets opportunity
According to Vice Mayor Campbell, the Youth Classic is more than a tournament; it is a launchpad.
The event is designed to give emerging athletes “a platform to compete for college scholarships while showcasing their talents to scouts from across the United States,” placing Lauderhill at the intersection of sport, education, and future opportunity.
With college recruiters and evaluators expected to attend, the tournament reinforces the city’s commitment to youth advancement through sport, while offering players a rare chance to perform on an international stage without leaving South Florida.
Elite field assembled for four days of competition
The 2026 edition of the Youth Classic will feature six elite teams, all sponsored by the City of Lauderhill, and divided into two competitive groups:
Group A: Jamaica, Tekkerz, ESP
Group B: Plantation, Rush, C.A.S.A. Allstars
Vice Mayor Campbell highlighted the strength of the field, noting that the participating teams represent a blend of international flair and domestic excellence, creating a highly competitive environment throughout the tournament.
Jamaica’s best high school talent takes the spotlight
One of the marquee attractions of this year’s event is the Jamaica national selection, composed of standout players from the All-Manning Cup and All-daCosta Cup competitions, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Jamaican high school soccer.
“This talented selection represents the finest high school soccer talent in Jamaica,” Campbell stated, emphasizing the caliber of athletes set to compete.
The Jamaican team is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, January 15, and will take the field on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, with both matches kicking off at 8:30 p.m., drawing considerable attention from fans and scouts alike.
Youth Soccer Clinic adds developmental focus
Beyond match play, the tournament will feature a Youth Soccer Clinic on Sunday, January 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., reinforcing the event’s developmental mission.
Described as a “high-energy, two-hour clinic,” the session is designed to challenge and inspire young players in a competitive yet enjoyable environment. The clinic will provide participants with an opportunity to sharpen technical skills, build confidence, and compete outside traditional match settings, serving as a prelude to the day’s championship finale.
Tournament Schedule: Four days of high-intensity action
Thursday, January 15
7:30 p.m. — Plantation vs. Rush
Friday, January 16
6:30 p.m. — ESP vs. C.A.S.A. Allstars
8:30 p.m. — Jamaica vs. ESP
Saturday, January 17
6:30 p.m. — Plantation vs. Tekkerz
8:30 p.m. — Jamaica vs. C.A.S.A. Allstars
Sunday, January 18
2:00 p.m. — Youth Soccer Clinic
3:00 p.m. — Second Place Group A vs. Third Place Group B
5:00 p.m. — Championship Match: Winner Group A vs. Winner Group B
6:45 p.m. — Medal Presentation
Soccer with a purpose: Community and global support
Vice Mayor Campbell also emphasized the tournament’s broader humanitarian mission. Throughout the four-day event, attendees are encouraged to support Lauderhill’s Sister City, Falmouth, Trelawny, and William Knibb High School through donations of non-perishable food items and school supplies as part of ongoing hurricane relief efforts.
“Beyond the pitch,” Campbell noted, community participation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
Families are invited to attend and enjoy the matches, with refreshments available on-site, as Lauderhill comes together to celebrate sport, solidarity, and the promise of the next generation.
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