GRACE Mighty Malt has announced its sponsorship of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Under-14 and Under-16 football competitions, which were officially launched on Monday, October 28 at Mico University College’s playing field.

Catherine’s Peak will serve as the official water sponsor for the competition.

Orrett Wallace, chairman of the ISSA Junior Football Competitions, said the tournaments, which kicked off on October 23, feature 93 rural schools and 42 urban schools.

Both competitions are key to developing Jamaica’s youth football talent whilst fostering essential life skills, said Wallace who was speaking at the launch event powered by Grace Mighty Malt.

“This tournament is a showcase of young talent from across Jamaica, providing opportunities for athletes to grow both in sport and in life. We are excited to have Grace Mighty Malt on board this year and know that their support will serve to enhance the competitions and provide a greater platform to showcase the athletes’ talents and skills,” Wallace said.

Kristina Hill, brand manager for beverages at Grace Foods, said the brand continues to invest in youth development.

“The Grace Mighty Malt brand is synonymous with youth and sport-led initiatives. We believe in fuelling the hopes and dreams of youth so that they can harness their talents and skills for a brighter future.

“In Jamaica, football is not just a game, it’s an art form embedded in our culture. Among student athletes it helps to nurture core character traits such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience — all qualities that can help players to navigate everyday life. Grace Mighty Malt is committed to supporting these athletes and helping them develop skills that will serve them both on and off the field,” Hill said.