Kyle Butler looks set to step out of his father’s shadow as he has been appointed head coach of Vauxhall High School for the upcoming Manning Cup season.

The 27-year-old Butler—who has been assisting his father, Craig Butler, with the Phoenix Academy—was part of the 2023 Manning Cup champion Mona High coaching staff.

“I’m really looking forward to it. This is an opportunity that I don’t take lightly,” Butler told Our Today. “Vauxhall has a rich history and a lot of untapped potential and I’m excited to be a part of building something meaningful here. For me, it’s not just about coaching, it’s about helping to shape young men, both on and off the field.”

Since upgrading to high school status, Vauxhall High have been playing the Manning Cup for several years with minimal success.

Last year, Vauxhall finished third in their group with 13 points. Their games concluded in three wins, three draws and four defeats, and the team just missed advancing to the second round with STATHS and Calabar High.

Vauxhall had behind them, former champion Camperdown High, Kingston Technical and 2023 Walker Cup finalist Haile Selassie High.

Butler, who played football in Europe and last season at Vere United, said he brings experience, discipline and a clear understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level.

“I’ve been a player, I’ve seen what’s required, and now I want to transfer that into my coaching. My expectation is simple—progress. I want to see development in the players, competitiveness in the team and most importantly, I want us to build a culture of pride and resilience at Vauxhall,” Butler pointed out.

Vauxhall has been drawn in a tough zone alongside two top teams in Jamaica College and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), but Butler believes they are ready for the challenge.

“It’s definitely a tough group, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge that builds character. We respect every opponent, but we don’t fear anyone,” said a confident Butler. “We’re coming in to compete, not just to show up. Games aren’t played on paper and I believe with the right mindset and preparation, we can surprise a lot of people,” he added.

Butler, who donned the colours of Vere Phoenix in last season’s Jamaica Premier League, said his playing days are not yet finished.

“I still plan to play. I believe I can manage both roles effectively. Playing helps me stay connected to the game in a unique way, and that insight only strengthens what I can bring to my players as a coach. It’s about balance and knowing when to lead from the front and when to guide from the sidelines,’ Butler explained.