Get ready people — the beautiful Caribbean Island of Tobago is about to transform into the epi-centre of international youth football. From December 12 to 14, 2025, the renown Dwight Yorke Stadium will host the inaugural Nexgem International Academy Cup (NIAC) — a premier youth academy tournament bringing together talented young players and elite academies from around the world.
Football fans will witness live, the energy of England’s precision, Brazil’s flair, Sweden’s discipline, the USA’s intensity, and Africa’s raw passion — all colliding under the Tobago sun. Ten academies from around the world will battle it out across two categories, Boys Under-16 and Under-20, in a winner-takes-all showdown. Adding to the thrill, a special guest team will also take the field, ensuring the competition delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement.
NIC is designed to spotlight top future footballers, offering them an early taste of international competition. For a few, this is where the stories of future World Cup stars will begin — on the same turf like the legendary Dwight Yorke once did. There will be European scouts and US college coaches flying in for the weekend to identify and recruit players.
But make no mistake — NIAC is more than just football. It’s a football festival. A fusion of culture, sports, tourism and community. This is a Caribbean football fiesta like no other. The event will be an incredible three days of activities for visiting fans and tourists to immerse themselves in. The event will feature activities, such as, live entertainment, DJ, food market, kids play area, adult games, raffles and more. This event will be an action-packed schedule.
A global stage for tomorrow’s superstars
Whether you’re a die-hard football fanatic or a family looking for fun in the sun, NIAC promises a truly memorable experience. Fans will witness not just talent, but determination, teamwork, and the birth of sporting dreams.
The tournament’s format ensures plenty of action: twelve teams divided into two groups of six will compete in a round-robin phase over the first two days. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, leading to a high-octane final showdown to crown the Nexgem International Cup champions.
The ultimate mission is to create long-term value for players developing their careers and aiming to go pro. For supporters, it will further ignite their passion for sports and gain knowledge from international teams which they can take back to their communities. For brands, it’s a golden opportunity to establish authentic and long-lasting connections with a new type of sports fans that is passionate about professional youth development.
So, mark your calendars and pack your bags — NIAC 2025 is your ticket to paradise, passion, and pure footballing magic. Come to Tobago and be part of history. Also, create fun memories and sporting bonds that will last long after the final whistle.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.islandetickets.com/niac-tickets
