Pocket Rocket Foundation kicks off 10th Peace Through Sports competition
The Pocket Rocket Foundation officially kicked off the 10th staging of its Six-A-Side Peace Through Sports Football Competition on Saturday, January 31, at the Red Stripe Sports Complex, with an exciting opening day that set the tone for the weeks ahead.
The milestone staging opened with a vibrant dress parade, which saw Boom Riddim emerging as this year’s winners, before teams took to the field for the first round of matches in front of an engaged and energetic crowd.
Defending champions Friends For Real (FFR) made a confident start to their title defence, securing a 1-0 victory over Ball Spot in their opening match. Other results from the day saw Legacy defeat Lintessa 2-0; Basement claim a 2-1 win over Miles United; and Boom Riddim drew 1-1 with Black Strikers, as teams delivered competitive performances across the opening fixtures.
Founder and chairwoman of the foundation, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, said reaching the 10-year milestone was deeply meaningful, noting that the competition continues to serve as an important outlet for men across participating communities.
“Reaching 10 years of Peace Through Sports means a great deal to us,” Fraser-Pryce said. “This tournament has always been about creating a safe space where men can come together, release what they are carrying, channel their energy through football, and resolve differences in a positive way. Seeing that purpose come to life on the field year after year reminds us why this initiative matters, and we are excited for what the rest of the tournament has in store.”
Twenty teams are competing in the 2026 tournament, grouped into five zones and playing a round-robin format before advancing to the knockout stages. Matches will be played every Saturday and Sunday at the Red Stripe Sports Complex, 214 Spanish Town Road, leading up to the grand finale on March 7, 2026. Teams will be vying for over $1 million in cash and prizes, along with bragging rights and the coveted title trophy.
Admission to all games is free.
The 2026 Six-A-Side Peace Through Sports Football Competition is made possible through the support of title sponsor Tank-Weld Group through its Rymax Lubricants brand, alongside NIKE, GraceKennedy, 876 Spring Water, Gatorade, FESGAS, and Sanmerna Paper Products Limited.
Cheanardo Anderson (left) of defending champions Friends For Real carries the ball during his team’s opening-round match against Ball Spot in the Pocket Rocket Foundation’s Six-A-Side Peace Through Sports Football Competition at the Red Stripe Sports Complex.
