Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA), Norbrook Strikers and Eagles Football Academy were winners in the respective age group categories of the Inaugural Yardie Sports Pediasure Youth Soccer Cup held at Emmet Park at St George’s College last Saturday.

Sixteen teams from eight clubs, academies and schools participated in the one-day event.

In the Under-8 category, ECA easily defeated Genesis Academy 5-1 in a lopsided final with Kristoff Jones of ECA being named Most Valuable Player, while his teammate Kamran Jones was the leading goal scorer with four goals. Norbrook Striker were the third-place finishers in the category.

In the Under-11 category, Norbrook Strikers continue to show their power at this age group, turning back a very good Maverley team 3-0 in the final to register their fourth successive tournament win. Their captain, JJ Johnson, was named Most Valuable Player. Kenoy Barrett of Maverley was the leading goal scorer with four goals. Genesis Academy finished third.

In the Under-14 category, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) used the opportunity to give their ‘PEPSI’ team more opportunities of competitive action, splitting their team into two. But it was Eagles Academy who won the final 3-1. Janton Tucker of STATHS was named MVP, while Dante Bert of Eagles was the leading scorer with four goals. STATHS B finished third.

Pediasure Brand Manager David Bonner was delighted with the day’s activities and is already looking forward to the next one in 2023.

“The Pediasure brand is all about growth in kids as it is clinically proven to help kids grow. The alignment was a no-brainer as the Yardie Sports Pediasure Youth Soccer Cup is all about growth and development in kids through sport, while Pediasure is through nutrition,” said Bonner.

He continued: “The debut Yardie Sports Youth Soccer Cup was an overwhelming success and as with the two brands, it’s all about growth for the kids. I am really looking forward to next year’s staging”.

Event organiser Dwayne Richards was happy with the support from both sponsors and participating teams.

“To have an event like this, you have to engender the trust of all the persons involved. To have a brand like Pediasure say yes to support an event like this in the first year shows tremendous faith and trust so we are delighted that they came on board,” Richards noted.

“We must also say a big thank you to the other sponsors involved with the staging of this event, Tankweld Metals, Recycling Partners of Jamaica, City Fusion and Hi-Lyte.

“Certainly, we cannot leave out the clubs, academies and schools that participated in the tournament. They all seemed to have a great time and there was a lot of talent on display. Giving our young footballers an opportunity to grow and develop on the field of play is what we wanted to achieve and we believe that we have been able to do just that,” he added.

Richards also highlighted Genesis Academy, the only team to feature girls at the competition.

“A special mention must be made of the fact that Genesis Academy, who finished as runners-up in the Under-8 category, fielded two girls on that team. We want to encourage more academies to place emphasis on getting girls involved in the sport from an early age.”

“We are already looking forward to next year where will are hoping to have even more teams participating than this year,” he concluded.

— Howard Walker