THE Central Zone of the inaugural Milo Under-12 Championship Cup is scheduled to kick-off 10:00 this morning with preliminary round action at the Kirkvine Complex in Manchester, before the finals next Saturday, August 13.

Cherie Raynor, a member of the organising team, told the Jamaica Observer she expects another fun-filled, zonal football contest.

“We are elated that after the months of lockdown due to the [novel] coronavirus pandemic, the kids can be out again playing and having fun. It’s amazing the talent on display; and plenty gratitude to Milo who made this all possible,” she said.

Chevanne Lawrence, Milo’s regional consumer marketing manager, said the competition falls in line with the food drink company’s commitment to developing youth.

“Milo believes in the development of athletes through grass roots sports. Our involvement in the inaugural Under-12 Championship Cup is an extension of that commitment to youth and community development,” he said.

The Milo Under-12 Championship Cup began on July 23 with 48 teams across the island separated in four zones: Corporate, which features teams from Kingston and St Andrew; West, covering the parishes of Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny and Hanover; East, comprising St Ann, St Mary, Portland and St Thomas; and Central, consisting of St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

The top two teams in each zone will qualify for the national finals slated for The UWI Mona Bowl on August 20, 2022.

Organisers say over $1 million and prizes and awards will be up for grabs, along with the right to be called the Milo Under-12 All-Island Champion.

The West Zone finals were concluded with winners Corinaldi Primary and finalists Chetwood Primary.

The East Zone winners are Young Boyz FC, with Errol Stevens Academy finishing second.

The Corporate Zone winners are Norbrook Strikers, with Liguanea United as runners-up.