Christian Brethren Football League (CBFL) Chairman Altino Facey is pleased with the growth of the tournament after what he describes as a successful staging this season.

The league concluded on Saturday with Harbour View Gospel Chapel securing their fourth-consecutive Christian Brethren Football League title by defeating Galilee Gospel Hall 6-4 in the final at Stadium East.

Galilee took the lead within the first minute of the game, but Harbour View equalised and found themselves leading 4-1 at the half. Galilee, however, did not give up and scored three goals of their own in the second half, to level the game at 4-4. Harbour View then struck in both halves of extra time to secure the title again this season.

Rohan Brown, who also scored twice in the final, is the league’s top scorer for the third year in a row, with 13 goals. He also scored a hat-trick in last year’s final against Bethany Gospel Hall.

Facey was thankful for the support his organising team received to make the season what he describes as a success.

“The season went exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask,” he said after the final. “God came true for us in a number of ways, from just the gear being provided, to the teams from CitiDental and Soccer Xpress. The venues, the Rockfort community, continue to host us. Our local church there, Carmel Gospel Hall, in partnership with the Rockfort Sports Club, continued to host our games, and it was just a positive impact on the community.

“The teams continued to engage their players, not just on the field, but off it as well. The discipleship and mentorship continued with the players. That’s something positive we take from the league. It’s not just match days but also training sessions and discipleship that take place with these young men.”

Facey says churches in the CBFL have reported that they have seen the tournament impact players through conversion to Christ and baptism.

“All in all, it was a good season,” he said. “The medals, the MVP (most valuable player) award continues, the meals continue to be a part of our game — the memories that we have shared throughout the season, as well.”

One key thing for Facey is that CBFL had a wider reach this season, with games even taking place outside Kingston.

“This year we went up to Shortwood, we had Elim [Assembly] in the Grant’s Pen area, so we had a game there,” he said. “We also went to Wembley Centre of Excellence for a game there with Longwood, so we’re going to different parishes and we’re using sports as an avenue to share the gospel.

“We had our final at Stadium East; it was the first final there for us. We had it streamed on YouTube, so it was all positive, and we continue to work with these young men.”

Now, he says the outreach continues with a seminar being planned on financial investments.

“We find that many of them are lacking, in terms of money management,” he said. “Some of them are professional players, so we just want to help them in that capacity.

“So, we’re looking forward again to working with the communities, through the churches, sharing the gospel through sports.”