KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew (KSA) Junior High Schools’ Football Competition sponsored by LASCO Distributors Limited and Salada Foods Limited got under way last Thursday at the Cling Cling Oval.

The competition has grown over the years, thanks to the continued support of Salada Foods, and has been expanded by the inclusion of its distribution partner LASCO Distributors.

Derrick Brown, head organiser of the KSA Junior High Schools’ Football Competition, is pleased to see the competition growing and is optimistic about the future of the league.

“We started out in 2008 with just nine teams participating and we have grown now to 16. With the additional sponsorship we hope to expand and include more teams from St Catherine to join Braeton All-Age and Junior High, who already compete in the league. The contribution by LASCO is really heartfelt as Junior High Schools are often not recognised.

“This competition has really showed its worth as the students who participate are notably better disciplined and show much more effort in their academics,” said Brown.

Nanda Dukharan, brand representative, LASCO Distributors, explained their focus on community and nation building initiatives which prompted their involvement in the KSA Junior High Schools’ Football Competition.

“LASCO is proud to make this investment in the junior high schools’ Football Competition as we have identified it as an important mechanism in the holistic development of our youths. Competitions such as these teach the value of commitment and discipline and those values are life lessons which can positively impact the lives of these students,” she said.

Sixteen teams will contest this year’s competition across four preliminary groups. Calabar Primary and Junior High School will once again be among the favourites, but will be put to the test, however, by the likes of John Mills and Melrose Junior High — all looking to dethrone them.

In the day’s opening match, defending champions Calabar could only muster a point after coming from behind late to earn a draw against Braeton Primary and Junior High. Javon Daley fired Braeton in front and the St Catherine-based school was on the way to an upset win before Prince Reid drew the defending champion level with a superb effort.

Originally run by the Institute of Sports, the competition was reinstated in 2008 by the Junior High Schools’ sports masters and the invaluable contribution of Salada Foods and now includes LASCO Distributors.

The 2014 competition will be played over three months with the winner and runners-up from the preliminary stage advancing to the second round scheduled to start on Thursday, November 20. The semi-finals will be played on Tuesday, December 2, with the final set for Thursday, December 11.

All games will be played at the Cling Cling Oval with the next matches to be contested this Thursday.