The ninth annual Pocket Rocket Foundation ‘Peace Through Sports’ six-a-side football competition kicked off on Sunday, October 27 at the Red Stripe Sports Complex with much enthusiasm, as event organizers announced that 20 teams historic units registered for the competition, including for the first time corporate units.

The launch event, which included a dress parade and several games, attracted a number of spectators from Waterhouse, neighboring communities as well as corporate sponsors to cheer on their teams. Team Basement won the clothing show.

On the field, defending champions Real City secured a 1-0 victory over Red Stripe, while Ashoka dominated with a 4-1 win over Dream Team. Friends For Real beat Basement 1-0, and in one of the most exciting matches of the day, Legacy FC beat Boom Riddim 3-2 with a last minute goal. Ball Spot and Basic FC ended the day with a goalless draw.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, founder and president of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, shared her thoughts on opening day.

“It is always a great joy to see the foundation’s initiatives grow each year, and after nine years, this year’s competition is the largest with 20 teams. I’m looking forward to the friendly and competitive matches and can’t wait to see who walks away as champions,” Fraser-Pryce said.

She also expressed her immense gratitude to its sponsors and partners, emphasizing that without their support, the foundation would not be able to carry out these initiatives.

“Without our sponsors, Nike, AFIMI, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants and Sanmerna Paper Products Limited, this competition would not be possible. A special thank you to Red Stripe for providing us with their football pitch, which was well received by the teams,” added Fraser-Pryce.

Teams in the competition are divided into five zones, competing in a round-robin format. The top team from each zone, along with the top three second-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals where they will battle for a place in the semi-finals and ultimately with the top two teams playing for the championship title.

Prizes include cash awards, trophies and individual honors such as Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, Best Defender and Most Disciplined Team.

David Henry, director of the league, spoke of the community spirit and camaraderie generated by the competition.

“Football is an integral part of community life in Jamaica and is a sport that has always brought people together in unity. It’s something we witness every year, where members of the community come out to support their teams and banter in a friendly rivalry while celebrating this beautiful game called football,” Henry said.

Over the next five weeks, matches will be played every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to the grand final on November 30. Fans are invited to come and support their teams. Entrance to the games is free.