6 months ago
22
The long-standing Scotiabank Kids Football Championship is set to hold its first staging in the English-speaking Caribbean, as Jamaica will host the under-11 5-a-side competition set to kick off this weekend.
The competition, which began in 2014, has been held in Latin America since its inception and is set to make its exciting launch in Jamaica.
In its inaugural staging locally, the competition will see more than 480 boys and girls from 60 primary and preparatory schools compete in the islandwide competition for a shot at the national title.
The competition will be split into three regional competitions before the all-island final consisting of the three regional champion and the team awarded the fair play winner.
Yanique Forbes Patrick, vice-president of public affairs and communications at Scotiabank, said the competition was more than just football, but a vehicle of change for the young boys and girls involved.
“This is a historic moment for Scotiabank,” she said at the media launch yesterday at the Scotiabank Centre.
“At Scotiabank, we believe sports is one of the most powerful tools in shaping young minds and building stronger communities.
“Football, in particular, teaches invaluable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, communication, respect and, most importantly, conflict resolution, which we know is needed in our society. These skills will extend far beyond football and well on into adulthood and last for a lifetime.”
To help promote their belief of teaching personal skills and a healthy sense of community, Scotiabank announced points will also be awarded to schools with the best disciplinary performances throughout the weeks of competition.
The competition will begin this weekend at Manchester High, on May 3 and May 4, with 18 schools scheduled to compete.
The second week of action will see the competition move to Wespow Park in St James on May 10 and 11, with another 18 schools set to compete.
The final weekend of regional action will come to Kingston and St Andrew at UWI Mona Bowl on May 17 and 18, where 25 schools are slated to compete.
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Michael Ricketts, who was in attendance at the media launch, praised the initiative as he underlined the importance of grassroots football development.
“I am very aware how important this particularly exercise is,” Ricketts stated. “My personal interpretation of grassroots football is exactly what we’re seeing today.”
English (US) ·