Scotiabank has made history with the launch of its first Under-11 football competition in Jamaica, a landmark moment as it marks the bank’s debut in staging its Kids Football Championship in the English-speaking Caribbean. The tournament is scheduled to kick off this weekend, with 480 enthusiastic boys and girls from primary and preparatory schools across the island for a mixed five-a-side football competition.

Yanique Forbes-Patrick, vice-president of Public Affairs and Communications at Scotiabank, described the launch as a proud milestone in the company’s mission to support youth development through sport.

“This is a new chapter in our ongoing commitment to youth development in sports,” she said. “Over the next four weekends, these young athletes will compete with passion and pride, culminating in the crowning of our first-ever all-island champions on May 25.”

She emphasised that this initiative, which began in Latin America in 2014, has had a tremendous impact on the lives of young people and is expected to do the same in Jamaica.

“Football teaches invaluable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, communication, respect, and very importantly, conflict resolution, which we know is needed in our society,” Forbes-Patrick added.

In addition to the sporting action, Scotiabank is incorporating its “League of Life” financial literacy workshop into the tournament. All participants will learn fundamental money management skills such as saving, budgeting, and understanding investment lessons that will serve them well into adulthood.

Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), praised the initiative and voiced the federation’s full endorsement.

“This is a massive boost for football development in Jamaica. I am very excited about the prospect of what will unfold after today’s launch. It will impact all parishes. As soon as I return to my office, I will be instructing my marketing manager to reach out to Scotiabank to explore how we can help expand this initiative islandwide,” Ricketts said.

The participants will be provided with gear courtesy of Scotiabank. The competition is to begin on Saturday at the Manchester High School. The all-island champions will be crowned on May 25.

— Robert Bailey