The Tribune

LYFORD Cay International School (LCIS) hosted its 6th Annual KPMG Football Fest last weekend.

Participating were Cedar International School (British Virgin Islands), American International School of Kingston (Jamaica), Cayman Prep and High School (Cayman Islands), Cayman International School (Cayman Islands), Lucaya International School (Freeport), The Codrington School, Barbados and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association and LCIS.

Most participating teams are members of the Caribbean International Schools Association (CISA), an organisation designed to enhance sporting competition between international schools in the Caribbean.

This year, over 150 footballers, both boys and girls, ages 13 and under, played 40 matches of competitive football.

Craig Massey, director of athletics at LCIS, noted that this was the largest number of players yet, signifying the success and growth of the tournament year after year. “We have players and teams who return every year because of the high level of competition, as well as the hospitality of our community. All visiting students and coaches were hosted by LCIS families, highlighting the deep community involvement that goes into making this event a success.”

This community spirit was extended further this year as Cedar International School was unable to field a complete girls team due to the displacement of their students after Hurricane Irma.

Renegades FC (formerly Lyford Cay FC) graciously welcomed two girls from Cedar to play with them for the duration of the tournament.

The combined Cedar/ Renegades team went on to win the Plate Final against LCIS’s girls. The competition culminated on Saturday afternoon with four sets of finals - Shield, Trophy, Plate and Championship.

The championship final for the girls featured Cayman Prep and Cayman International School, with Cayman International School winning in a penalty shootout after it finished 1-1 in regular time. The boys’ championship final was won by Lyford Cay International School who defeated Cayman Prep 2-1 in a hotly contested, intense game.

Dr Stacey Bobo, principal of LCIS, believes the tournament’s greatest significance is the international exposure it provides for LCIS students.

“Events such as our Annual KPMG Football Fest exemplify the truly transformative experiences we provide at LCIS. As we move forward with plans to build a new, state-of-the-art upper school campus, we will continue to develop opportunities for our students to become not only better skilled athletes but internationally minded, global citizens as well.”

Incredible support was provided by KPMG Bahamas who has served as the event’s main sponsor since its inception. Subway Bahamas, Bahama Blu Water, Menchie’s and Thompson Trading also contributed to the event, providing food and snacks throughout the entire weekend.