A barrage of 18 goals signalled the start of the McKay Security-KFC St Thomas Football Association Under-17 League at three venues across the parish last Saturday.

Hosts Golden Grove United Football Club, fuelled by a brace from Alrique Donegan in the 20th and 30th minutes, blanked Bath Sports Club 4-0 to register the day’s biggest win in the 2:00 pm opener.

D’Andre Beckford (28th) and Jamario Carty (36th) also got on the scoresheet as Golden Grove United eased past Bath Sports Club to open their Zone A campaign with a clean sheet.

York United Football Club rallied from a goal down to beat Prospect Football Club 2-1 in the 4:00 pm game at Golden Grove. Marvin Morgan scored in the 29th minute to cancel out Jadan Stevenson’s 13th-minute opener before D’Marreio Higgins sealed the win in the 34th.

Zone A action wrapped up with Port Morant Football Club losing 1-0 to Seaforth Football Club, who got their second-half winner in the 60th minute through Shawayne Martin.

Meanwhile, in Zone B games played at the Heartease Community Centre, Yallahs All Stars Football Club came from behind to beat Whitehorses Sports Club 4-1, thanks to a double from Ricardo Barrett in the 13th and 69th minutes.

Jaquan Murray had given Whitehorses Sports Club the lead in the second minute before Shavar Alcott equalised for Yallahs All Stars in the seventh. Shakeim Williams added the fourth goal in the 72nd minute.

It was also a five-goal affair between Danvers Pen Football Club and Baptist Alliance Football Club, with Danvers Pen emerging 3-2 winners. Rozhaine Scott (41st) and Jayquan Mitchell (51st) put them in control before Rasheed Reid pulled one back for Baptist Alliance in the 71st minute.

Denton Brown restored Danvers Pen’s two-goal advantage a minute later but Deville Bowen scored in the second minute of stoppage time as Baptist Alliance went down 3-2.

The competition is sponsored by McKay Security Limited and Restaurants of Jamaica Limited through its KFC brand, under which teams receive meals on match days.

A total of 11 teams will contest 54 matches this season at centralised venues. Participation in the under-17 competition is mandatory for all clubs competing in the St Thomas Major League, which is also sponsored by McKay Security.

The Under-17 League serves as a key development pathway, preparing players for progression to under-20 and senior football in the parish.

At Saturday’s opening, St Thomas Football Association President Lascelles Logan said the sponsorship has eased the burden of providing nutrition for young players.

“These youngsters will one day transition to the under-20 and senior teams in the parish’s major league. Providing proper nutrition ensures they are able to perform at their best,” Logan said.

“Feeding our players and supporting their development is a major boost for any football programme focused on elevating young talent.”