THE grand finale of the Milo Under-12 Football Championship Cup is set for today at The UWI Mona Bowl after competitors went through a rigorous zonal qualification over recent weeks.

Kick-off for today’s final stage is scheduled for 11:00 am, with the championship match scheduled for approximately 4:00 pm.

Last Saturday, Joga Bonita and Clarendon Park advanced from the Central Zone following action at Kirkvine Complex in Manchester to join the six other teams in the final stage.

The Western Zone was previously concluded with winners Corinaldi Primary and finalists Chetwood Primary progressing.

The Eastern Zone winners are Young Boyz with Errol Stevens Academy finishing second.

Norbrook Strikers, who came out top, and runners-up Liguanea United, were the teams to emerge from the Corporate Zone.

Cherie Raynor, a member of the organising team, said she expects today’s final to encapsulate the action-packed contests that have been witnessed since the tournament began last month.

“The children have come out and given their best, playing the game in good spirits in a fun-loving atmosphere. The finals will be no different — very exciting action is on the cards as we anticipate seeing more of the island’s amazing talents,” she said, adding that over $1 million and prizes and awards will be up for grabs.

The Milo Under-12 Football 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.

— Sanjay Myers