With its 50th celebrations still going on, KFC, long-time associate sponsor of the Inter-secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) football, has increased its partnership deal to a whopping $20m for this season.

KFC’s total sponsorship package is up from the previous value of $18 million.

With $17 million in cash and $3 million in meals, KFC Marketing Manager Andrei Roper explained why the company keeps recommitting to the cause.

“[KFC values] being a part of some of the biggest platforms in Jamaica, platforms like schoolboy football that bring people together, the passion and the excitement,” Roper said.

“I am not just excited because KFC brings the spice and flavour to the competition, but I want to see my alma mater, Campion College, if they can go one step further, making history in the competition,” he added.

Roper then pointed out that they will also include performance-based incentives that reward players and strengthen schools’ football programmes.

“Every hat-trick scored by a player in the Manning, daCosta Cup or Champions Cup will earn $50,000 for the school’s football programme of that player, along with $10,000 in KFC meal value for the player. In addition, the MVPs of the Manning Cup, daCosta Cup and Champions Cup will each secure $50,000 for their schools and $25,000 in meal value for themselves,” Roper noted.

“Each season, we see the drive and determination these young players bring to the pitch. Our aim is to help create an environment that nurtures their growth, recognises their achievements, and inspires them to reach for the next level in football and life. This year is especially important for us because we are celebrating 50 years with lots of promotions, lots of celebrations,” he added.

Fans will also be part of the action through KFC’s weekly “Match Score Prediction” challenge on KFC’s social media pages. The prizes will include free KFC meals for a week for lucky fans who correctly predict the score of the spotlight KFC schoolboy football match of the week.