The Pocket Rocket Foundation’s ninth annual Six-A-Side ‘Peace Through Sports’ Football Competition kicked off on Sunday, October 27 at the Red Stripe Sports Complex to much excitement, as the event organisers announced that a historic 20 teams registered for the competition, including corporate units for the first time.

The launch event, which featured a dress parade and several games, brought out a number of spectators from Waterhouse, neighbouring communities as well as corporate sponsors to cheer on their teams. Team Basement won the dress parade.

On the field, defending champions Real City secured a 1-0 victory against Red Stripe, while Ashoka dominated with a 4-1 win over Dream Team. Friends For Real edged past Basement 1-0, and in one of the day’s most exciting matches, Legacy FC overcame Boom Riddim 3-2 with a last-minute goal. Ball Spot and Basic FC concluded the day with a goalless draw.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, founder and chairwoman for the Pocket Rocket Foundation, shared her thoughts on the opening day.

“It is always such a joy to see the foundation’s initiatives grow each year, and after nine years, this year’s competition is our biggest yet with 20 teams. I am looking forward to the friendly and competitive matches and I am excited to see who will walk away as the champions,” said Fraser-Pryce.

She also expressed tremendous gratitude to her sponsors and partners, noting that without their support, the foundation would not be able to successfully execute these initiatives.

“Without our sponsors, Nike, AFIMI, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants, and Sanmerna Paper Products Limited, this competition would not be possible. A special thank you to Red Stripe for providing us with their football field, which has been well received by the teams,” Fraser-Pryce added.

Teams in the competition are divided into five zones, competing in a round-robin format. The top team from each zone, along with the three best second-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals where they will battle for a place in the semi-finals and ultimately with the two top teams playing for the championship title.

Prizes include cash awards, trophies, and individual accolades such as most valuable player, leading goal scorer, best defender, and most disciplined team.

David Henry, league director, reflected on the community spirit and camaraderie ignited by the competition.

“Football is an integral part of community life in Jamaica, and is a sport that has always brought people together in unity. This is something we witness every year, where community members come out to support their teams and banter in friendly rivalry as they celebrate the beautiful game that is football,” Henry said.

Over the next five weeks, games will be played every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to the grand finale on November 30. Fans are invited to come out and support their teams. Entry to the games is free.