High School football returns

Now in its ninth year, the always entertaining 2026 Dart Under 13 high school football leagues return to the fields of Grand Cayman as the Islands’ high schools battle for bragging rights and the prestigious Dart Cup.

To add to the already exciting aura that surrounds high school football, organisers of the league are pleased to announce the introduction of an Under 16 boys’ high school league to run concurrently with the Dart Under 13 boys’ league. The league includes participation from Cayman International

School (CIS), Cayman Prep & High School, St. Ignatius Catholic High School, Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS) and John Gray High School (JGHS).

In the Dart Under 13 girls’ league, three-time defending girl’s champions Cayman Prep & High School begin the defence of their title on Wednesday, September 16. The young ladies from Cayman Prep secured the coveted Dart Cup for the third year running in 2025 after defeating St. Ignatius Catholic School 5-0 in the final of the Champions Cup.

In the girls’ Consolation Cup Final, CIS defeated CHHS 2-1.

On the boys’ side, JGHS look to secure their second title in a row as games begin on Thursday, September 17. In 2025, JGHS’ search for excellence on the field finally came to fruition as they secured their first Dart Under 13 boys’ high school football league title. The maroon-clad young men came from behind to defeat CIS 13 Boys Blue 4-1 in a thrilling Champions Cup final.

In the boys’ Consolation Cup Final, St. Ignatius Catholic defeated Cayman Prep 13B 2-0.

In 2024, organisers introduced a Champions Cup and Consolation Cup format to give the schools more games. This format has proven to be extremely successful in the CUC Primary Football League (PFL) and Girls’ Primary Football League (GPFL).

The Dart Under 13 leagues will continue every Wednesday and Thursday until the mid-term break in October at venues across the Island including the Annex Field, CIFA Field, Haig Bodden Field, Camana Bay Sports Complex, the new Camana Bay Sports Complex and the St. Ignatius Catholic Field. Start times are between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Schools participating in the Dart Under 13 leagues this year include John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School, St. Ignatius Catholic High School, Footsteps School, Cayman Prep & High School, Cayman Academy, Cayman International School and CF High School.

Following the mid-term break, the Appleby Under 18 boys’ and girls’ leagues will commence and continue until the first week in December. These games will also be played on Wednesdays for the girls and Thursdays for the boys.

Complete schedules, scores and standings can be viewed on the Cayman Youth Football Leagues (CYFL) website at www.caymanyouthfootball.ky .