Jamaica is set to change its sports landscape with the launch of the National Tackle Football Association (NTFA), a transformative initiative designed to unlock economic opportunities, develop elite athletic talent, and position the island as a rising force in American football.

The NTFA’s flagship event, the All Jamaica Gridiron Bowl, will debut on April 19, 2025, at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College, showcasing the nation’s top gridiron football talent in front of NCAA coaches, international professional recruiters, and thousands of fans.

 The initiative is endorsed by NFL wide receiver Joshua Palmer (Buffalo Bills), SCORE International, and a coalition of sports, education, and tourism leaders.

Why This Matters

Jamaica, long celebrated as a global sprinting powerhouse, is now tapping into the multi-billion-dollar gridiron football industry.

The NTFA is expected to:

• Create Gridiron Football Pathways: Develop athletes for the NFL-IPP, CFL, and NCAA scholarships—opening doors to USD $25,000–$500,000+ annual earnings.
• Boost Sports Tourism: Target 10,000–15,000 visitors annually through football events, combining sport with Jamaica’s vibrant culture.
• Empower Youth: Offer scholarships, financial literacy programs, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for Jamaican student-athletes.

Key Highlights of the NTFA & All Jamaica Gridiron Bowl

• The All Jamaica Gridiron Bowl (April 19, 2025)
• Location: Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College
• Expected Attendance: 2,500–3,000+ (with future expansion plans)
• Event Dates: We invite all friends, family, and fans to attend and support the future Super

Stars of Jamaica Gridiron at the following events.

• April 15 (10:00am): Full contact training session at UWI Mona Bowl, Kingston
• April 17 (10:00am): Full contact evaluation session at Brooks Park, Mandeville
• April 18 (9:00am): Team Blue and Grey Draft at Jamaica College Auditorium
• April 19 (5:30pm): All Jamaica Bowl Game Kick Off

Special Features:

• Elite Showcase Game: Top Jamaican talent competing in front of scouts.
• NFL & NCAA Style Evaluation: Speed, agility, and skills drills.
• Football Clinic: Led by SCORE International elite coaches.
• Live Streaming: Discussions are underway with domestic broadcasters and streaming platforms.

Strategic Partnerships

• SCORE International: Providing elite sports development expertise and coaching.
• NFL Ambassador Joshua Palmer: Mentoring Jamaican athletes and inspiring youth.
• St Thomas Aquinas: Top Coaches from one the the US Nation’s elite programs.

Scholarships & Career Development

• US College Partnerships: Working with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) and NCAA programs to secure scholarships.
• Local University Collaborations: Engaging UTech, UWI, G.C. Foster, and Mico in sports science and coaching education.

Expected Economic & Tourism Impact

• Projected Athlete Earnings: $25,000–$500,000+ annually through scholarships, NIL deals, and pro contracts.
• Sports Tourism Surge: Football events expected to boost hospitality, retail, and travel sectors.

Jerome Harriott, NTFA Founder said: “Jamaica has dominated track & field—now we’re conquering gridiron football. The NTFA will create jobs, scholarships, and global opportunities for our youth while putting Jamaica on the gridiron map.”

Joshua Palmer, NFL Wide Receiver (Buffalo Bills) added: “I’m honored to support Jamaica’s football movement. This is bigger than sports—it’s about changing lives and showing the world our talent.”

SCORE International Representative David Johnson said: “We’re proud to partner with NTFA to develop world-class athletes and a sustainable football ecosystem in Jamaica.”

The NTFA is inviting corporate sponsors, government partners, and diaspora supporters to get on board and invest in Jamaica’s football future.