A triumphant 2-0 victory over Virgin Gorda United FC of British Virgin Islands gave Cayman’s Elite Sports Club an ideal start to their 2026 Caribbean Football Union Club Shield campaign.
Elite SC delivered the winning performance at Trinidad and Tobago’s Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday 24 July.
After an own goal in the 16th minute put Elite SC ahead, Barry Dre Tibbetts capitalised with a free kick to double the lead and lock in the 2-0 result in the 56th minute.
Following the victory, Elite SC advanced to the Round of 16.
Road to the CFU Club Shield
A successful title defence in the 2025-26 Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) Premier League on 31 May secured Elite SC’s spot in the regional competition.
The tournament offers the team a platform to test their skill against some of the Caribbean’s top amateur and semi-professional clubs.
“On behalf of the Cayman Islands Football Association, I want to congratulate Elite SC on earning the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands at this year’s CFU Club Shield,” said CIFA president Alfredo Whittaker in a press release.
“Qualifying for this tournament is a testament to the club’s hard work and success throughout the Premier League season. We wish the players, coaches, and staff every success as they compete on the regional stage. These opportunities are invaluable for the continued development of our clubs and players, and we know Elite will represent Cayman football with pride, determination, and professionalism,” Whittaker added.
Established in 2018, the CFU Club Shield provides champion clubs across the region with valuable international competition with the aim of strengthening the development of club football.
The 2026 edition features 22 league champions battling in a straight knockout format running through 2 Aug. Both the champion and runner-up earn direct qualification to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
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