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Yanique Forbes Patrick, vice-president of public affairs and communications at Scotiabank, said the Scotiabank Kids Football Championship is more than just football, but a platform for development of important life lessons for young Jamaicans.

Forbes-Patrick was speaking yesterday at the competition's media launch held at Scotia Centre, downtown Kingston.

"This is a historic moment for Scotiabank," she said. "At Scotiabank, we believe sports is one of the most powerful tools in shaping young minds and building stronger communities.

"Football, in particular, teaches invaluable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, communication, respect and most importantly, conflict resolution which we know is needed in our society. These skills will extend far beyond football and well on into adulthood and last for a lifetime," she continued.

The event is making its debut in the English-speaking Caribbean after being founded in 2014 in Latin America.

The championship will see 480 boys and girls from 60 primary and preparatory schools compete islandwide in an Under-11 five-a-side tournament across three regions for a chance to compete in the all-island finals.

Action gets under way this weekend at Manchester High School across two days of competition on May 3 and May 4.

The competition will then move to Wespow Park in St James on May 10 and May 11 for the second weekend of regional action.

The final weekend before the all-island finals will be held in Kingston at the UWI, Mona Bowl, on May 17 and May 18.

The three regional champions, as well as the team award for the fair play winner, will then contest the all-island finals the following weekend.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts praised the competition's launch as the right vehicle Jamaica needs in its grassroots development.

"I am very aware how important this particular exercise is. My personal interpretation of grassroots football is exactly what we're seeing today," Ricketts said.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com