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JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Tournament

The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), in partnership with ISSA, will launch the inaugural Girls Under-14 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the National Stadium, tip-off 9:00 AM. The event revives competitive basketball for young female athletes, filling a crucial gap in Jamaica’s development pathway. 144 players from 12 Kingston schools are expected to compete, gaining vital experience for future national team progression.

“This tournament is the foundation of a movement,” said JaBA General Secretary Makeisha Robinson. “We are committed to giving Jamaica’s young women the platform they deserve to compete, grow, and represent the nation.”

JaBA plans to expand the U14 tournament nationwide with regional qualifiers leading to a championship, ensuring structured youth basketball across Jamaica.

By targeting U14 athletes, JaBA and ISSA are investing in the long-term future of Jamaica’s women’s basketball, aligning with international best practices and raising visibility for girls’ sports.

A NATIONAL VISION: PHASED EXPANSION FROM 2027

What begins as a 12-team competition in Kingston is only the starting point. JaBA has outlined an ambitious phased expansion plan beginning in 2027, with the goal of rolling out the Girls U14 Tournament nationwide bringing structured, ISSA-endorsed youth basketball to every corner of Jamaica.

The expansion roadmap envisions regional qualifying rounds feeding into a national championship, creating a sustainable and scalable competition structure that will serve Jamaica’s young female athletes for generations to come.

TOURNAMENT PARTNERS

This year’s Girls U14 Basketball Tournament is made possible through the generous support of two distinguished Jamaican institutions:

Bob & Rita Marley Foundation – Official Support Partner

A cornerstone of Jamaican cultural and humanitarian legacy, the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation brings tremendous prestige and community significance to this tournament. Their partnership underscores the deep connection between Jamaican culture, community development, and youth empowerment values that sit at the heart of this competition.

TAD Water — Official Hydration Partner

TAD Water, Jamaica’s homegrown flavoured bottled water brand, steps in as the Official Hydration Partner for the event, ensuring all 144 athletes, coaching staff, and match officials remain fuelled and refreshed throughout the tournament day. TAD Water branding will feature prominently at the venue, on signage, and on the shirts of match officials  placing the brand at the centre of this landmark sporting occasion.