After the successful completion of a three-year partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), FortisTCI has renewed its commitment to youth football development with the official signing of a new sponsorship agreement spanning another two years. This marks a significant milestone in a partnership that has steadily grown in reach and impact since it began in 2016.
As part of TCIFA’s continued program development, the current FortisTCI Elite Youth Co-ed Football League will evolve into separate leagues for girls and boys. The Elite U14 Girls and Elite U15 Boys Leagues will launch this year, aligning with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF competition calendar. The rotation will continue through 2026 and 2027, ensuring consistent development opportunities for national youth teams.
The new agreement will see further investment in player nutrition, with FortisTCI continuing to provide hydration stations at all league games. FortisTCI employees also volunteer their time to support game-day activities.
The collaboration continues to foster the growth of both grassroots and elite youth football programs, offering children and teens structured opportunities to develop their skills, stay active, and aspire to national and regional representation. Through this alliance, FortisTCI and TCIFA are not only nurturing athletic talent but also helping to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in the next generation.
FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “Since inception, FortisTCI and the TCIFA have demonstrated a shared commitment to youth football development. We believe in creating every opportunity for our boys and girls to grow through sport—whether they play recreationally or competitively. This partnership created the first competitive youth football leagues across the TCI nine years ago and continues to fuel the dreams of our young football players today. Our sponsorship helps the TCIFA deliver impactful programs with record-breaking participation levels. The success is a team effort, and I take this opportunity to thank the TCIFA, coaches, players, parents and our employee volunteers for their unwavering support of our youth football leagues.”
President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Sonia Fulford-Missick stated: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with FortisTCI as we embark on this exciting new chapter for youth football. Their steadfast support has been pivotal in fostering an environment where young athletes can excel both on and off the field. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to FortisTCI for their hands-on involvement, actively participating alongside us during match days. We are providing tailored opportunities for each group to shine and develop their unique talents. This initiative underscores both our commitments to inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every young player has the chance to reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing our youth excel and represent with pride.”
General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Oliver Smith stated: “The TCIFA's collaboration with FortisTCI is one that is critical for the development of our male and female youth players. Competition is a necessary ingredient in the maturation of any youth player and this sponsorship allows for annual competition at both the grassroots and the elite level. From these tournaments the TCIFA was able to identify players that matriculated to our Youth National Teams as well as our Senior National Teams. Further some of these players were able to earn football scholarships overseas to further their academic goals. This is the type of sponsorship by corporate citizens that feeds and nourishes the TCIFA's primary goal of developing the sport of football in the country and we once again say a public thank you to FortisTCI and its energetic staff.”
FortisTCI and the TCIFA launched the Grassroots Football League in 2017, starting with over 280 players in Providenciales. By 2018, the program expanded to North and Middle Caicos, Grand Turk, and South Caicos, with consistent growth despite the pandemic’s temporary disruption. In 2020, FortisTCI elevated its support by becoming a Diamond Sponsor through a three-year, $120,000 agreement. Since then, the partnership has introduced competitive leagues for boys and girls and continues to serve as a pipeline for national team selections. With a record 350 participants in the 2024 Grassroots Football League, FortisTCI remains committed to building communities and empowering young people through sport.
