The Portmore Sports Association’s basic school football competition has quickly become a unifying force for early childhood development in the community. With dozens of basic schools coming together in spirited play, the tournament, known widely as the Alacta Little League, is about more than football — it’s about building confidence and discipline from the ground up.

Now in its second year, the initiative continues to grow with the help of Alacta, the growing-up milk formula trusted by Jamaican families.

“We believe that early engagement in sports not only improves physical health but also enhances cognitive skills, encourages teamwork, and nurtures discipline — all essential elements in a child’s early growth,” said Roxanne Brown, senior brand manager for Alacta.

She continued, “At Alacta, our core values include advancing brain development, promoting education and fostering strong community connections. Supporting this football competition brings these values to life.”

The opening round kicked off on May 31, with teams bringing their A-game and turning every match into a memorable moment. From the very first whistle, the determination on the young athletes’ faces was undeniable. Spectators were treated to thrilling encounters — from dominant 10-0 victories to nail-biting nil-all ties – each game a testament to the passion and potential of the rising stars. And through it all, Alacta has been there every step of the way, cheering them on and championing their growth.

This year’s Alacta Little League welcomed enthusiastic participation from a wide cross section of over 30 schools, including Bridgeport Infant, Gregory Park Basic, Early Bloomers Academy, Glad Tidings Early Childhood Development Centre, PGA Academy, Silverstone Basic, Greater Portmore Basic, Judz Kidz Play, and Naggo Head Infant. Each brought their own energy and spirit to the field, showcasing not only budding talent but the vibrant support of their teachers, parents, and wider school network.

The Little League-style tournament has not only energised schools but, it has also sparked growing support from parents and caregivers who cheer from the sidelines, reflecting the competition’s ripple effect across the community.

Reflecting on the competition so far, Brown shared, “Some of the most exciting moments have come from watching young stars from schools like Naggo Head Infant and Bridgeport Infant dazzle on the field with skills beyond their years, actually matching that of real football club players. Their talent is truly inspiring. Feedback from educators and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the competition for boosting children’s confidence, and coordination and love for teamwork.”

Alacta’s presence on the ground has extended beyond the football field. The brand has provided uniforms, hydration stations, shared nutrition tips, and fun family-friendly experiences like Sip n’ Paint sessions, helping parents bond with their children while learning about the importance of complete nutrition.

“It is truly heart-warming,” Brown expressed. “Schools are more engaged, children are more active, and the school and neighbouring communities are rallying behind the young athletes.”

Echoing Brown’s sentiment, Andrea Hanson, Chairman, Portmore Schools Sports Association, said, “This initiative is delivering long-term benefits for youth development by enabling early talent identification and nurturing athletic potential from the basic school level. The partnership with Alacta has been a transformative force behind both the success and growing impact of the Portmore Basic School Football Competition.”

“Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to expand our reach and include schools not just from Portmore, but also from neighbouring communities. It has allowed us to improve our resources and infrastructure — from providing footballs to proper gear that helps identify teams — creating a more structured and inclusive experience for all. I like to call it a shared commitment to building a brighter future for Jamaican youth. And what better place to start than at the grassroots level, through the power of sport,” Hanson continued.

The Alacta Little League is currently gearing up for its semi-finals on June 21, with the grand finale set for June 28, to cap off what has been a season filled with excitement, empowerment, and community pride.