EIGHT teams, headed by 2024 daCosta Cup finalists Glenmuir High, will get their 2025 schoolboy football season off to an early start when they compete in the inaugural staging of the Clarendon Elite Cup.
The competition, which will be held at Glenmuir, will take place over three days — July 25 to 27. Denbigh High, Central High, Belair High, Vere Technical, Manchester High, Tivoli High and Munro College are the other schools down to compete in the tournament.
The competition is the brainchild of former Denbigh and Glenmuir daCosta Cup player Anthony Baker. The Elite Sports Programme is a non-profit organisation established through AJR Sporting Goods, which is owned and operated by Baker.
“The foundation was created with a clear mission to develop, improve, and promote exceptional sportsmanship among high school teams,” said Baker, a US Army veteran.
“With a strong belief in the power of sports to shape young lives, the organisation aims to create opportunities, foster community pride, and celebrate teamwork and integrity on and off the field,” stated Baker, who said he was motivated by his mother, who dedicated 16 years to serving her community, and wants to give back.
At the tournament, there will also be individual cash prizes for best striker, best goalkeeper, best defender, top goalscorer, and MVP.
Four matches will be played on the opening day, Friday, July 25:
10 a.m: Denbigh vs Manchester High
Noon: Central vs Munro
2 p.m: Vere vs Tivoli
4 p.m: Glenmuir vs Belair
Admission: adults $500 and students $250.