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.

Football in Jamaica
CountryJamaica
Governing bodyJamaica Football Federation
National team(s)Men's national team;
Women's national team
First played1862
National competitions
Club competitions
International competitions
CONCACAF Champions League
CONCACAF League
Caribbean Club Championship
FIFA Club World Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup (National Team)
CONCACAF Nations League (National Team)
FIFA World Cup (National Team)
CONCACAF Women's Championship (National Team)
FIFA Women's World Cup (National Team)

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.[1] This may have been partly due to the climate, which suited cricket better. Since then football has flourished in Jamaica.

Jamaica Football Federation
Main article: Jamaica Football Federation

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) 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 Jamaica 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
Main article: Jamaican football league system

Cup system
Main article: JFF Champions Cup

Men's National team
Main article: Jamaica national football team

One of the major successes of the Jamaica national team came when the men's team qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.[2] They did not progress beyond the first round, but managed to win their final group match against Japan, winning 2-1.[3][4][5] They have also won the Caribbean Cup on five occasions.

Women's national team
Main article: Jamaica women's national football team

Jamaican football clubs
Main article: List of football clubs in Jamaica

References
  1. "Jamaica's massive football task - Editorial". Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  2. "& Sport | World Cup 98 | Features | Jamaica - background". BBC News. 1998-05-03. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  3. "BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | World Cup history - France 1998". BBC News. 2006-05-04. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  4. "& Sport | World Cup 98 | Jamaica". BBC News. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  5. "CNN/SI - World Cup France '98 - 2-1 victory over Japan lifts the Reggae Boyz - Saturday September 19, 1998 03:48 PM". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. 1998-09-19. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
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