Charlie Smith High’s football programme was recently given a much needed boost courtesy of Kirk Distributors Limited, who provided over $500,000 worth of nutrition products to the former ISSA Manning Cup champions ahead of the 2018 schoolboy season.

Head coach of Charlie Smith Jerome Waite, who accepted the products on behalf of the team, welcomed the support of Kirk Distributors Limited for a second consecutive year, as they gear up to kick-off their Manning Cup campaign on Saturday.

Keisha Stewart, brand manager of Kendel Foods, was also on hand to offer support.

“We are very happy and grateful for the kind assistance from these companies, as you know that many schools in the inner-city communities always find it hard and difficult to get support, but Charlie Smith really appreciates this assistance,” Waite said.

Despite only retaining four players from last year, Waite pointed out that they are working assiduously to be back in contention for the title this year. Charlie Smith’s last Manning Cup triumph came back in 1995, when they famously won the triple-crown.

“So far, the players are looking very good in training, and the team has played quite a number of practice matches as they prepare and get ready for the challenges to come. So spectators can look forward to some good and exciting football from Charlie Smith which they are expected to produce, such as tactical midfield plays, speed, and most importantly scoring goals,” Waite noted.

Charlie Smith will start their campaign in Group C where they will battle the likes of Meadowbrook High School, Norman Manley High, Camperdown High, Eltham High, and Jonathan Grant High.

The south St Andrew-based Charlie Smith recently signalled their intent when they whipped daCosta Cup team Christiana High 4-0.

“What is most important, though, is to reach the top four and once we do that then we will have a good shot towards winning the Manning Cup competition,” said Waite.

Meanwhile, Matthew Samuels, brand manager of Cetamol, a product of Kirk Distributors Limited is optimistic that this partnership will serve as a motivator for the players to give of their best throughout the season.

“It has been a long time since Charlie Smith’s name has been on the Manning Cup, and I challenge you all to go out there and break that drought by winning the title this year. So I am looking forward to witness some good winning performances from the team along with winning the Manning Cup this season,” Samuels stated..