President of the St Thomas FA Wayne Thompson reiterated that the primary and ultimate aim of the parish’s school leagues is to build better communities.

The competitions — contested in boys’ Under-13 and Under-15 and girls’ Under-16 categories — are not only targeting football growth, but are being used as “a tool for community development, as well”.

“This youth programme is important to wholesale community development and that is why we have so many stakeholders; we have engaged the coaches, teachers, principals, government and the business community,” said Thompson, who last year succeeded Alfred Pennant as president.

Sponsored by the St Thomas Co-operative Credit Union for a 12th year and at a cost of $1 million, the age-group competitions kicked off on Thursday at the York Oval with an opening ceremony, dress parade and an Under-15 match-up where St Thomas Technical High blew away Happy Grove 3-0.

Meanwhile, operations manager of the St Thomas Co-operative Credit Union Dorcia Bolton said her company is inspired by the success of the leagues and it remains committed to further success.

“Based on the success with the partnership with the FA, the schools and the Credit Union, we will continue the relationship,” said Bolton who addressed Thursday’s opening day.

She added that the evidence of success is more profound in the fact that many players, who were nurtured in the leagues, have gone on to greater things, some of whom have represented Jamaica or are still wearing the national colours. One of those players is Demar Phillips, who also plies his trade in the Norwegian professional leagues.

“With so many players graduating from the league to make a living out of the sport, it is important that the players see this as an opportunity to make a future (therefore), they should make the best of the opportunity,” said Bolton, who represented general manager Hopeton Morrison, a creator of the competitions.