Lynk Cup

The Lynk Cup is the premier all-island knockout competition held for football clubs annually in Jamaica. Established to promote and celebrate the diversity and depth of soccer talent in the country, this knockout competition brings together all teams from the Jamaica Premier League, along with 10 selected teams from the Jamaica Football Federation's Tier 2.

Lynk Cup
Organising bodyJamaica Football Federation
Founded2022
RegionJamaica
Number of teams24
Current championsPortmore United(1st title)
Most successful club(s)Portmore United (1 title)
2023 Lynk Cup

Overview

The Lynk Cup, first introduced in 2022, is organized by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in collaboration with Lynk Jamaica. The tournament is named after its sponsor, Lynk, a prominent mobile payment company, supporting sports and community development in Jamaica.[1] This competition serves as a platform for emerging talent to shine while allowing the established Premier League teams to fine-tune their skills in a competitive environment.[2]

Participating Teams

The Lynk Cup brings together a total of 24 teams, comprising all 14 teams from the Jamaica Premier League and an additional 10 teams from the JFF Tier 2. The inclusion of Tier 2 teams adds an exciting element to the competition, as it provides an opportunity for these clubs to showcase their abilities against stronger and more experienced opposition.

Format

The Lynk Cup follows a knockout format, where teams are eliminated from the competition upon losing a draw. The competition typically consists of home and away fixtures, with the winner on aggregate advancing to the next round, until the finals where a single leg match is played and the champion is crowned. The knockout stage consists of multiple rounds, including the Round of 24, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Finals.

Finals

The climax of the Lynk Cup is the Final, held in at Sabina Park stadium in Jamaica. This match is a thrilling spectacle, drawing thousands of fans who come to support their favorite teams. The atmosphere is electric, with both players and supporters alike filled with anticipation. The finals is usually held as a double header with the match for 3rd place being played before the finals. The finals is a showcase of the best soccer talent Jamaica has to offer, and the victorious team is awarded the prestigious Lynk Cup.

History

Lynk Cup ends the 9-year hiatus of an all-island knock out competition in Jamaican Football since the last edition of the now defunct JFF Champions Cup in 2014.

Portmore United defeated Cavalier 2–0 in the inaugural Lynk Cup National knockout final to claim the first ever title and their only silverware of the 2022-23 season.[3]

Controversy

The inaugural JFF Lynk Cup Knockout final between Portmore United and Cavalier at Sabina Park was overshadowed by robbery, as thieves broke into one of the dressing rooms on during the finals where Portmore ran out 2-0 winners. Several Cavalier players were robbed of their belongings while the game was in progress. Phones, money and other valuables were discovered to have been stolen when the Cavalier team returned to the dressing room at half time.[4]

Significance

The Lynk Cup holds several crucial roles within the Jamaican soccer landscape:

  1. Development of Young Talent: The inclusion of Tier 2 teams in the competition gives young, aspiring soccer players the chance to prove their worth on a grand stage. It serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing future stars in Jamaican soccer.
  2. Unity and Community Engagement: The Lynk Cup unites soccer fans across Jamaica, fostering a sense of community and pride. It provides an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to come together and support their local teams.
  3. Sponsorship and Support: The support of Lynk and other sponsors has played a pivotal role in the continued success and growth of the Lynk Cup. These sponsors help ensure the sustainability and financial viability of the competition.
  4. Exposure and Visibility: The Lynk Cup offers participating teams the opportunity to showcase their skills and expand their fan base. It also attracts media attention, helping raise the profile of Jamaican soccer on the international stage.

Winners and Finalists
Club Wins Champions Runners-up
Portmore United 1 2023 —
Cavalier F.C. — 2023

Source: Soccerway [5]

References
  1. Parchment, Rachid (2023-05-14). "Ludlow Bernard wants JFF control of Lynk Cup". Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  2. "JFF's Anderson gives thumbs up to Lynk Cup". jamaica-gleaner.com. 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  3. "Portmore claim Lynk Cup title". jamaica-gleaner.com. 2023-05-26. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  4. "Lynk Cup Final Marred By Dressing Room Robbery". www.radiojamaicanewsonline.com. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  5. "Summary - Cup - Jamaica - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
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