The Serge St Thomas Major League is off and running with the promise of an “exciting” season of football.

On Sunday’s opening day, champions Seaforth made a winning start in defence of their title by clipping Lyssons 1-0, while York rallied to beat newcomers Paul Bogle 3-1 in a double-header at York Oval.

In midweek fixtures, Baptist Alliance edged Danvers Pen 1-0, while Port Morant All-Star and Prospect dueled to a goal-less draw.

At Sunday’s opening ceremony, Seprod brand executive Richard Parchment underlined the importance of sport, and football in particular, in community building.

“Sports is a tool that can be used to advance the well-being of any community, and through sports, particularly football, individuals can gain confidence in themselves, generate a positive mind and good health which are key ingredients in achieving success,” he said.

The sponsor’s representative stated further that his company “believes in the people of St Thomas” and vowed that it will continue to play its part in influencing “economic and social advancement in the parish”.

Parchment challenged the teams to give of their best in the four-month-long competition, where he anticipates “another exciting season of football” with integrity and discipline to guide the process.

Meanwhile, President of the St Thomas FA Wayne Thompson thanked Seprod for its continue support, which is to the tune of $3.1 million.

“Once again we thank Seprod with their vision in partnering with the St Thomas FA, which will continue to yield positive results for both organisations. I want to encourage spectators to support the partnership by purchasing the Peanut Punch, the marquee product for the Major League,” said Thompson.

As outlined by second vice-president and director of competition Lascelles Logan, the competition is being contested by 12 teams in two zones with 75 games over the four -month period.

The top two teams at the end of the first round will contest and end-of-round final. Also a Super Eight will be introduced with the top eight teams playing on a home-and-away basis with winners on aggregate qualifying for two-way semi- finals instead of the cross Zone format which was used last season.