Mount Pleasant Academy has launched its grass-roots football programme, which is intended to nurture and utilise youthful talent in order to “develop Jamaica’s football in line with first-world standards”.

The programme, which was launched on Thursday at the academy’s base in Runaway Bay, St Ann, is to begin this morning at 9:00.

In a media release, the academy organisers said it will run this Saturday, and every Saturday, and it is free for boys ages five to 11. They are encouraging all-round participation, including parent volunteers.

The programme is aimed at giving young boys, particularly those in northern sections of the island, the opportunity to develop their football skills. By extension, it should also provide support for the growth of youth football in Jamaica and the region.

The release added that the grass-roots programme will “provide an opportunity for young boys to harness their skills… under the tutelage of qualified and experienced coaches using our state-of-the-art facility”.

Mount Pleasant FA are the reigning Jamaica Premier League football club champions after defeating Cavalier in last season’s final.