The schools’ knockout competition for 2014/2015 kicked off on January 19, and will end with finals on January 30 at the Constant Spring Golf Club.

Twelve schools have entered the girls’ category, while 13 are competing for the boys’ title, including Mt St Joseph High School, who are participating for the first time. This school is the newest high school in Manchester as it opened its doors for the first time in September 2014.

First round matches were played in Manchester and Kingston last week. In Kingston, Campion College and Calabar High School will now move on to the second round after defeating St Jago High School’s boys’ team and Jamaica College, respectively, on January 22. While in Manchester, Munro College defeated Manchester High 3-0.

In the girls’ category, Convent of Mercy (Alpha Academy) and Campion competed on January 21 resulting in a 3-2 win for Alpha Academy. St Andrew High School for girls won their first round match 3-2 against Wolmer’s Girls’ on January 23.

St Hugh’s High School withdrew from the competition resulting in a walkover being awarded to St Jago High’s girls’ team, who progressed to second round.

First round matches were expected to continue yesterday in the boys’ category with Glenmuir High facing off with Belair High, followed by Mt St Joseph High battling 2014 Schools’ League boys’ champions deCarteret College.

In the girls’ category, Manchester High were down to face Mt St Joseph High, while Glenmuir High and Belair High were to do the same. The venue for all games in Manchester is deCarteret College.

The competition promises to further develop the sport of badminton among the younger generation.