Coaches praise Scotiabank Kids Championship
Published:Saturday | May 3, 2025 | 12:06 AM
Several coaches involved in the inaugural staging of the Scotiabank Kids Football Championship in Jamaica have praised the youth competition, labelling it a major step in grassroots development.
Speaking on Thursday at the competition’s media launch held at the Scotia Centre in downtown Kingston, the coaches expressed their excitement ahead of the competition’s start.
The championship will take the form of an under-11 five-a-side tournament involving over 480 students from 60 primary and preparatory schools.
Ann-Jean Brumley, head coach of St Patrick’s Primary, said she is in full support of the competition as it will help foster a sense of teamwork for the students at an early age.
“I think this is a great programme for the children in their development of football and their development of good sportsmanship,” Brumley told The Gleaner.
“I think it teaches them that teamwork will make the dream work and encourages them to work together.”
Craig White, head coach of Pembroke Hall Primary, also praised the competition and it’s title sponsors for their support both on and off the field of play.
Scotiabank announced as a part of the championship, that they will hosting their League of Life Financial Literacy workshops to provide basic monetary management skills to the players.
“This championship is more than just football. We are very proud to incorporate our League of Life Financial Literacy workshops into the tournament experience,” said Yanique Forbes-Patrick, Scotiabank’s vice president of public affairs and communications.
White applauded the move as he believes it will help in convincing hesitant parents to allow their children to pursue their sporting dreams.
“What we do is to nurture the kids so it’s great to see the exposure and the rewards of the work,” White said.
“What I preach is book work and football and this will prove to the parents that this is possible so they can have more freedom and trust in letting their kids approach their dreams.”
White previously attended Pembroke Hall Primary before making his transition into senior football. He was best known for his stints at Waterhouse and Arnett Gardens in the Jamaica Premier League during the 1990s and early 2000s.
With his decades of experience in Jamaican football, White understands the importance of financial education for young players.
“I think it is important for our kids to learn how to take care of their money from even age nine. I’m 100 per cent in support of this like any other coach would be.”
The tournament begins today with the first regional competition at Manchester High with two days of competition.