ST ANN, Jamaica — A total of 11 teams will be participating in the Sandals Dunn’s River and Social Development Commission (SDC)-sponsored St Ann’s Bay Six-a-Side Football Competition which kicks off tomorrow, starting at 10:00 am, at Jonas Rhiener Community Centre, Edge Hill , St Ann.

Teams will be vying for the Sandals Dunn’s River Trophy and a number of prizes, including $50,000 and a trophy for the winning team. Second-place finisher will receive $30,000 and a trophy, while third place nets $15,000 and a trophy. Additionally, there will be a $10,000 prize for the Most Disciplined Team. The top three teams will also receive commemorative medals.

All teams will play two matches in the preliminary round, with the top four teams progressing to the knockout semi-final phase.

SDC Community Development officer for St Ann’s Bay and Runaway Bay, Antoinette Ledgister-Hall said she is delighted that the competition could be staged this year as it affords youth from the area a chance to show off their footballing skills as well as take part in organised sports activities.

Ledgister-Hall lauded Sandals Dunn’s River for coming on board as main sponsors of the competition. “We really want to thank the management of Sandals Dunn’s River, which has just been opened for a few weeks, for coming on board at such short notice. We look forward to a harmonious partnership that will continue for years to come.”

Ian Spencer, regional public relations manager, Sandals Resorts, noted that his resort is happy to be on board and sponsors of a competition that assists in the development of youth and sports in the parish. “Sandals Dunn’s River, as the new kid on the block, is committed to the development of the talents of the young people in our neighbouring communities,” Spencer said. “This competition will provide a showcase for scores of talent, and we consider it a positive investment in their future.”

In pledging Sandals Dunn’s River’s continued support Spencer said the football competition was just the start of the resort’s community-building activities as in the coming weeks and months it will be assisting in a number of sporting activities. “Expect to see both Sandals Dunn’s River and our sister property Sandals Royal Caribbean very visible in the communities as we expand our outreach programmes,” the regional public relations manager added. “As good corporate citizens we take our role very seriously. We are part of these communities and we will be even more visible in our outreach.”