Football in Jamaica


Football is one of the most popular sports in Jamaica. It was introduced to the country by the British and quickly took hold. Other important sports in Jamaica include cricket, track and field, and for women, netball.

History

The most reliable records available indicate that football was introduced in Jamaica towards the end of the 19th century and 1893 is listed as the year Jamaica formed its first football club. It immediately found itself in competition with cricket which had established earlier popular roots in the island. This may have been partly due to the climate, which suited cricket better. Since then football has flourished in Jamaica.

Jamaica Football Federation

The Jamaica Football Federation is the governing body of football in Jamaica. It was formed in 1910. It organises the men's and women's national teams and the Jamaican National Premier League. The current president of the JFF is Michael Rickets, the General Secretary is Horace Reid and the treasurer is Garfield Sinclair.
The JFF joined FIFA and CONCACAF in 1962.

League system

Cup system

Men's National team

One of the major successes of the Jamaican national team came when the men's team qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. They did not progress beyond the first round, but managed to win their final group match against Japan, winning 2-1. They have also won the Caribbean Cup on five occasions.

Women's national team

Jamaican football clubs