Despite his team falling short in the final of this year’s KFC U18 Elite Cup, Eric Rademakers believes the competition has already accomplished something far greater than lifting a trophy — creating an environment that supports the long-term development of Jamaica’s young footballers.

Rademakers, who serves both as head coach of Kingston Football Academy (KFA) and organiser of the tournament, saw his KFA side lose to Portmore United in the final. However, for him, the competition was never solely about results.

“We lost the final and we’re not happy with that, but I think that overall in the season and the football that the boys have shown is something that we are very happy about going forward,” Rademakers said. “It’s all about the development of the boys.”