KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pepsi Jamaica on Saturday announced a $400,000 investment programme designed to strengthen player development beyond match day during the inaugural Made4Goal Championship showcase at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The investment includes $200,000 for Cavalier FC to enhance its nutrition and training programme after the club’s Christopher Ainsworth was named the Star Player of the match.

The remaining $200,000 will fund an Athlete Voice & Leadership Training Programme for 10 standout players from the showcase. Led by veteran journalist and former athlete Alison Watson, the programme will equip participants with media engagement, public speaking, leadership and personal branding skills as they pursue opportunities at the next level.

Pepsi Brand Manager Ashli-Raye Recas said the company’s support reflects its commitment to investing in the complete development of young athletes.

Cavalier Football Club’s Christopher Ainsworth collects his “Star Player”
award from Pepsi Brand Manager Ashli-Raye Recas at the Made4Goal
Championships on Saturday.

“We know talent is only part of what it takes to succeed. Young footballers also need the right support systems, the confidence to represent themselves well and the skills to navigate opportunities beyond the field. Through our partnership with Made4Goal, we wanted to invest in the whole athlete because preparing young people for success means supporting both their sporting ambitions and their personal growth,” she said.

Made4Goal Founder and Absolut Ventures Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alrick McKenzie said the championship was designed to expose talented players to international opportunities while ensuring they are equipped to take advantage of them.

The Made4Goal Championships was boosted by Pepsi’s $400,000 donation
to the standout team for their nutrition and training programmes, as well as their
media training and development.

“We wanted to create more than another football competition. This is about building a pathway that gives young players access to international opportunities while helping them develop the qualities that clubs and scouts increasingly look for beyond technical ability,” he said.

Ainsworth also received a $50,000 personal development grant as part of the Pepsi Star Player Award, which recognises leadership, character, sportsmanship and resilience alongside on-field performance. The grant will support his personal and academic development following a needs assessment with Cavalier FC.

The Made4Goal Championship comes amidst a wider initiative to strengthen Jamaica’s football development pathway by combining elite competition with education, mentorship and professional development, creating more opportunities for emerging players to progress on the international stage.