Wikipedia - CFU Club Shield

The CFU Club Shield, also known as the CFU Caribbean Club Shield and formerly as the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield, is an annual Caribbean football competition for clubs that are members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). It is a second-tier competition to the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup (and formerly the Caribbean Club Championship), introduced in 2018 for clubs which worked towards professional standards. It is organized by the CFU, with CONCACAF organizing it between 2018 and 2023.

Until 2022, the winner of this competition, as long as it fulfilled the licensing criteria, played against the fourth-placed team of the Caribbean Club Championship for a place in the CONCACAF League. Starting with 2023, the winner and runner-up qualify for the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup.

History

On 25 July 2017 in San Francisco, California, the CONCACAF Council approved the implementation of a two-tier competition for affiliated clubs of Caribbean member associations, starting in 2018. The tier-one competition, known as the Caribbean Club Championship, would be contested by the champions and runners-up of the top professional and semi-professional leagues in year one, and open to only fully professional leagues in year two onwards. The tier-two competition, known as the Caribbean Club Shield, would be contested by the champions of the leagues that had no professional teams in year one (2018), opened to semi-professional standards in year two (2019) and planned to be open to fully professional leagues by 2022.[]

In 2023, both tournaments were restructured and renamed. The winner and runner-up of the second-tier Caribbean Shield now qualify for the first-tier CONCACAF Caribbean Cup to be held later in the same month.

On 30 April 2024, CONCACAF officially gave the responsibility to organize the Caribbean Club Shield to the Caribbean Football Union, and as such the name of the competition was changed to the CFU Club Shield.

**Caribbean Club Shield: Tournament Description**

Welcome to the Caribbean Club Shield, an exhilarating soccer tournament that celebrates the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and cultural diversity across the Caribbean region. This prestigious event brings together top club teams from various Caribbean nations, showcasing their talent, skill, and passion for the beautiful game.

**Event Highlights:**

- **Date & Location:** The tournament will take place annually, with this year's edition hosted in a vibrant Caribbean city known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. The event will span over a week, featuring matches in state-of-the-art stadiums and community fields.

- **Participating Teams:** The Caribbean Club Shield will feature a diverse lineup of clubs from across the Caribbean, including both established powerhouses and emerging teams. Each club will compete for glory, aiming to lift the coveted shield and earn their place in Caribbean soccer history.

- **Format:** The tournament will follow a knockout format, with group stages leading to thrilling quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final. Each match promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, as teams battle for supremacy on the pitch.

- **Cultural Celebration:** Beyond the matches, the Caribbean Club Shield is a celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage. Fans can enjoy local cuisine, music, and art, creating a vibrant atmosphere that unites communities and fosters a sense of belonging.

- **Community Engagement:** The tournament aims to inspire the next generation of soccer players through youth clinics, workshops, and community outreach programs. Local schools and aspiring athletes will have the opportunity to learn from professional players and coaches, promoting the growth of soccer in the region.

- **Sustainability Initiatives:** Committed to environmental stewardship, the Caribbean Club Shield will implement sustainable practices throughout the tournament, including waste reduction, recycling programs, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options for fans.

Join us for the Caribbean Club Shield, where the passion for soccer meets the warmth of Caribbean hospitality. Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or a family looking for a fun day out, this tournament promises unforgettable moments and a celebration of the beautiful game. Don’t miss your chance to witness the excitement and support your favorite teams as they vie for the ultimate prize!