The Cayman Islands has a vibrant and growing sports culture shaped by its British-Caribbean heritage, island lifestyle, and international tourism. While the islands don’t have large stadiums or professional leagues, sports are popular in schools, communities, and among youth development programs.
1. Football (Soccer)
Most popular team sport in the Cayman Islands.
Governed by the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA).
Cayman has its national men’s and women’s teams, which compete in CONCACAF tournaments.
Local league: CIFA Premier League
Youth development supported by FIFA and local academies.
Notable:
Cayman hosted CONCACAF youth tournaments.
Football is taught in most schools and played in community leagues.
2. Track and Field (Athletics)
Cayman produces competitive sprinters and jumpers.
Cydonie Mothersill, a former Olympian, is a national sports figure.
Regular events: Inter-Primary and Inter-Secondary track meets, Island Games, CARIFTA.
3. Basketball
Gaining popularity among youth and in schools.
Managed by the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA).
Indoor and outdoor courts exist across Grand Cayman.
Cayman competes in Caribbean regional tournaments.
4. Volleyball (Beach and Indoor)
Beach volleyball is very popular due to the islands’ beautiful coastlines.
Cayman hosts FIVB and NORCECA beach volleyball tournaments.
Schools and resorts promote volleyball as both recreation and competition.
5. Swimming
Cayman has Olympic-caliber swimmers, like Shaune Fraser and Lara Butler.
The Camana Bay Aquatic Club and Lion’s Pool support training.
Swimming is integrated into school curriculums.
Cayman competes in CARIFTA Swimming Championships and Pan Am Games.
6. Tennis
Played recreationally and competitively at resorts and tennis clubs.
Clubs like The Ritz-Carlton, Cayman Islands Tennis Club, and Seven Mile Tennis offer programs.
School-level tennis is growing through development grants and lessons.
7. Cricket
A legacy of British colonial history.
Played among locals and Caribbean immigrants (especially from Jamaica and Guyana).
Cayman is an associate member of the ICC.
National team competes in ICC Americas tournaments.
8. Golf
Popular among expats and business professionals.
Courses:
North Sound Golf Club (18-hole)
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Hosts celebrity tournaments and charity events.
9. Cycling & Triathlon
Road cycling and triathlons/duathlons are common among health-conscious locals.
Events:
Mercuryman Triathlon
Cayman Islands Cycling Association races
10. Martial Arts
Includes karate, judo, taekwondo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Popular among youth and adults for fitness and discipline.
Several active dojo academies in Grand Cayman.
11. Water Sports (Recreational & Competitive)
Sport
Notes
Sailing
Taught through the Cayman Islands Sailing Club
Scuba Diving
While mainly recreational, Cayman has hosted diving championships
