CLARENDON, Jamaica—Anthony Baker, conceptualiser of the Clarendon Elite Cup, is paying it forward to youngsters across several high schools, after competing in schoolboy football for several years.

Set for July 25-27 at Glenmuir High School, the competition will see the host school also vying for the top prize of $550,000. The other schools competing are: Denbigh High, Belair High, Central High, Vere Technical High, Munro College, Tivoli High and Manchester High.

The runner-up prize will be $250,000, while third place will receive $100,000. There will be individual awards for: best striker, best goalkeeper, best defender, top goal scorer, and tournament MVP.

“The inspiration behind the Clarendon Elite Cup stems from my deep-rooted love for football, which began at a young age. Football was more than just a game—it was a lifestyle shared between me and my father. I’ve played the sport all my life, proudly representing Clarendon at the U13 and U15 levels. Even today, as a US Army veteran, I still find joy and purpose in playing the game,” Baker told the Observer online.

Anthony Baker

The veteran added: “Beyond the sport itself, the value of giving back was instilled in me by my mother, whose unwavering dedication to her community left a lasting impression on me. The Clarendon Elite Cup was born out of this dual passion—football and community service. It’s not just an event; it’s a platform to give back while nurturing the talent and spirit of our youth.”

The other organisers of the Clarendon Elite Cup are Ruel Rawlins and Keithy Simpson.

Meanwhile, sponsors for the initiative include: AJR Sporting Goods (North Carolina), TheShaiTouch (North Carolina), (Simlos Café), Ubuntu Ascendancy (California), NeeksHelpSlay (Fort Lauderdale), Rawlins Trucking Services (North Carolina), HTX Lush Getaway (Texas) and Miguel Baker & Associates (Jamaica).

Baker further noted that participating schools jumped at the opportunity to be part of the commendable competition.

“The response from the schools in Clarendon was overwhelmingly positive. As soon as we introduced the concept, schools expressed great enthusiasm and eagerness to be involved. Due to time constraints, however, we had to limit the number of participants to eight schools. That decision wasn’t easy, but it speaks volumes about the interest and potential for future expansion,” he reasoned.

Baker, along with his team, are hoping that the competition will yield maximum results while cultivating unity and sportsmanship.

“Our ultimate goal is to build strong, positive relationships within the team and the wider sports community. We want to motivate and inspire young athletes to strive toward their goals, both on and off the field. But above all, the Clarendon Elite Cup is about fostering unity, pride, and community togetherness through the shared love of football,” he said.