Nearly 90 youth football teams converged on the National Sports Centre in Devonshire over the weekend of October 10-11 for the second staging of the Athene Youth Kickstart Cup, marking a significant jump in participation from the tournament's debut year.

Organisers reported a 23 per cent rise in entries compared with last year's inaugural event, with boys' and girls' sides competing across the under-7, under-9 and under-11 age groups. The preseason competition gave young players from clubs around the island an early opportunity to test themselves ahead of the regular campaign.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the two-day programme featured guest speakers and prize giveaways for participants, adding an off-field dimension to the weekend's festivities. Families and supporters turned out in strong numbers at the North Field venue, creating a lively atmosphere for the island's youngest footballers.

The growth of the tournament reflects the continued strength of youth football in Bermuda, where grassroots development remains a priority for clubs and sponsors alike. Organisers are expected to build on this year's success as planning begins for the third edition of the event.