THE exciting inaugural staging of the LIME Street Football challenge will climax with an East versus West semi-final showdown before the final in Half-Way-Tree Square today.

The first semi-final will see Smokers out of Hanover going up against Gulf Strikers FC from St Thomas, after which Westmoreland’s Grange Hill Alliance will battle Street People, who will be playing in their backyard.

The winner on the day will receive the ultimate grand prize of $1 million, plus an all-expense paid trip to represent Jamaica at the Regional Guinness Street Football Challenge in Trinidad & Tobago June 6-7 at the Jean Pierre Complex.

Jamaica’s champion will go up against teams from St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua, Guyana and the host who will be defending their title. The winner of that competition will receive US$5,000.

Carlo Redwood, vice-president of marketing at LIME, said that patrons can expect excitement at its peak as the four best teams from across the island do battle.

“We will see the best of the champions from across the island. We expect to see some quality, competitive yet disciplined football along with lots of giveaways, so patrons can come out and experience an exciting Labour Day courtesy of LIME as we crown the champion of Street Football 2014,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Former Reggae Boyz captain and Bolton Wanderers player Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner, who is the official endorser of the competition, will mentor the winning team leading up to the Regional Challenge.

“This competition has grown; it is now down to crunch time so everybody will want to win and there is a lot of talent and potential in these teams, so we are expecting some great football,” said Gardner.

The day’s proceedings will commence at 1:00 pm and patrons will enjoy an entertainment package to be headlined by dancehall star Aidonia, LIME ambassadors Ity & Fancy Cat, alongside Pretty Boy Floyd and the LIME dancers.