First-time entrants Friends for Real, based at The Olympic Gardens Football Club, went unbeaten to claim the championship title in the Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition. The grand finale, held on Sunday, December 8, at the Red Stripe Sports Complex in Kingston, saw Emeil Atkinson score the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Medley Mixers.

The day also featured an exciting third-place playoff, where Legend secured a 2-1 victory over Legacy earlier in the day.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, founder and chairwoman of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, praised the tournament’s success and impact, “These past weeks have been nothing short of incredible. To see the level of skill, passion, and community spirit displayed throughout this competition has been truly inspiring. Friends For Real’s victory is particularly meaningful as it ties back to our mission of empowerment. Earlier this year, the Pocket Rocket Foundation donated football gear, including shoes, to the Olympic Gardens Football Club. To see a team comprising members of that club rise to the occasion and become champions in their first entry demonstrates the power of opportunity and teamwork. This competition continues to show how sports can bring peace and unity to our communities, and I’m so proud of everyone who participated.”

Captain of Friends For Real, Wyan Nelson, expressed his team’s joy and gratitude, “Words cannot express how the team is feeling to have won. This was our first time entering the tournament, and to come out as champions is beyond what we could have imagined. The togetherness we have built as a team has been amazing, and this competition has shown us what we can achieve. We are so grateful for this opportunity, and it is a moment we will never forget.”

The championship match capped off a successful tournament that saw 20 teams compete in 36 matches, highlighting the best of community football and sportsmanship. This year’s competition, the largest in its history, awarded cash prizes of $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 to the first, second, and third-place teams respectively. Over $500,000 in prizes were presented for individual awards, including Top Goal Scorer, Best Defender, and Most Valuable Player. Trophies and participation medals were also awarded to the top three teams. Team Basement won the Best Dressed title as well as Most Disciplined Team.

The tournament’s Peace Through Sports initiative has strengthened bonds within the Waterhouse and surrounding communities, supported by the Hunts Bay Police. The Six-A-Side competition was sponsored by NIKE, AFIMI, Grace Foods, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants, Dollette and Ken, and Sanmerna Paper Products.