MAY PEN, Clarendon – Project STAR has officially launched its Kicking Forward Football Programme in May Pen, Clarendon, marking a significant milestone as the initiative expands into a fifth community.

Marlon Moore, Youth & Sports Coordinator, shared that the programme is not just about introducing football sessions but implementing a deliberate framework of youth engagement and behavioural change.

“This is a structured intervention. Each training session combines football drills with workshops on anger management, conflict resolution, and leadership. The goal is to give boys the same discipline, respect, and time management expected on the pitch, but applied to their daily lives while at home, in school, and in the wider community,” Moore explained.

The launch in May Pen brings the initiative to the communities of Havannah Heights, Racetrack, and Treadlight, where over 50 boys aged eight to 16 have already registered, signalling strong community enthusiasm and readiness to engage.

Sharise Staines-Appleby, Community Services Lead at Project STAR, emphasised that football was deliberately chosen as the anchor.

“It’s the sport they love most, and for many, it’s their first real structure outside of school. By integrating discipline, respect, and time management into the game, we are building consistency and positive values that extend off the field.”

The model has already proven successful in Salt Spring, where initial encounters with boys were often marked by aggression and lack of discipline. Within months, measurable behavioural shifts were noted.

“We’ve seen a significant decline in fights and conflict incidents during sessions, and the same boys now step forward to lead warm-ups, greet coaches respectfully, and even mediate disputes among their peers. That’s the transformation we are aiming to replicate in May Pen,” Moore added.

The programme has gained significant support from the private sector, including Western Sports, which has partnered with Project STAR to provide gear and access to sports facilities.

“As a small business, we can’t do it alone,” said Carl Chang, chief executive officer of Western Sports Limited. “But partnering with Project STAR allows us to give back meaningfully to help build strong families and safer communities through youth engagement.”

The programme also benefits from the mentorship of former national player Walter Boyd, who has joined as an ambassador.

“This is a dream. I’ve been impressed by Project STAR from the start, and being part of this initiative is another opportunity to help Jamaica and its youth move forward,” Boyd shared.

Drawing from his own experiences, Boyd emphasised that discipline and hard work, not talent alone, are what make success possible.

“It’s important for national figures like myself to be here. These kids listen when they see someone who has lived through what they’re going through. Sometimes all a young person needs is someone to believe in them.”

Boyd expressed hope that the programme will help reduce crime and produce positive role models within communities.

With May Pen now included, Kicking Forward is fully operational across all five STAR communities. Since the start of the year, the programme has engaged over 200 boys across Jamaica, equipping them with the skills and mindset to lead positive, responsible lives.