CHALKY Hill were crowned champions of the Sandals Resorts-sponsored Steer Town Community Organisation Football League after edging favourites Records Football Club 3-2 on penalties in a pulsating final at the Steer Town Community Playfield, in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd on Sunday evening.

Chalky Hill established a commanding 2-0 first-half lead through goals from Chevoy Henry and “Kara” Wallace. However, Records FC mounted an impressive second-half comeback, with Dante Senior and Hamani Taylor finding the net to restore parity and force the decisive encounter into a penalty shoot-out.

Chalky Hill missed an early penalty, giving Records FC the initial advantage. However, they recovered their composure to prevail 3-2 in the shoot-out and secure the championship title.

For their triumph, Chalky Hill collected $100,000 in prize money and the Sandals Resorts Trophy. Runners-up Records FC received $70,000, while third-place finishers Dam Head were also rewarded with a cash prize for their performance in the competition.

At the presentation ceremony following the final, OJ Nelson was named Leading Goalscorer, after netting eight goals during the tournament, while schoolboy Joshua Mitchell earned the Young Player of the Tournament award in recognition of his promising performances.

Sandals Resorts Regional Public Relations Manager Ian Spencer described the league as a resounding success, highlighting what he sees as a high standard of football and exemplary discipline displayed throughout the competition.

“As community partners, Sandals Resorts was extremely happy to partner with the Steer Town Community Organisation to sponsor the community football league,” Spencer said. “We see sports as a vehicle to help transform communities and empower young people. The tournament was of a very high standard, and the level of discipline displayed throughout was particularly encouraging.”

Spencer also reaffirmed the commitment of Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation to community development through initiatives supporting education, community organisations and environmental groups.

“Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation are heavily involved in different facets of community development, assisting a number of schools, community bodies and environmental groups in the areas where we operate,” he said. “We are excited about the success of this tournament and look forward to continuing the close relationship we have developed with the Steer Town community.”

Steer Town Community Organisation President Junior Wallace, who is also the tournament’s lead organiser, welcomed the return of community football to Steer Town after an absence of several years.

“We at the Steer Town Community Organisation are extremely pleased that the tournament was such a success,” he said. “There was a high level of discipline among the teams and excellent cooperation among all stakeholders.”

He expressed gratitude to Sandals Resorts and Total Tools for their sponsorship and support, noting that their contributions were instrumental in helping to deliver the competition.

Wallace also expressed optimism about the tournament’s future, looking ahead to the 2027 staging of the league which he said promises to be “bigger and better”.

The successful staging of the competition marks a positive step for community football in Steer Town, providing a platform for local talent, encouraging youth participation, and strengthening community ties through sport.