Greater Portmore takes opening win as Scotiabank Kids Championship kicks off in Mandeville

(Manchester, Jamaica) May 8, 2025 - The highly anticipated under-11 Scotiabank Kids Championship got off to an exciting start this past weekend, May 3 & 4, as young footballers from across Middlesex took the Manchester High School field with pride, passion, and plenty of goals.

The spotlight over the weekend belonged to Greater Portmore Primary, who delivered an emphatic 5–2 victory over Ebenezer Primary, securing their place as the top-performing team of the weekend. The win was celebrated with cheers from enthusiastic supporters, including teachers, parents, and schoolmates who filled the sidelines with vibrant energy.

Out of the 18 registered schools, 14 teams ultimately played, while four teams were absent. The first weekend of matches was a celebration of skill, teamwork, and the deep connections football can foster. From first-time players to rising stars, boys and girls displayed determination and discipline on the pitch.

“We were very pleased to see the first set of matches get underway with such energy and enthusiasm,” said Yanique Forbes-Patrick, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Scotia Group. “The Scotiabank Kids Championship is more than just a competition—it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and discipline in our children, while also connecting schools and communities through the love of the game. The level of support these students receive from their schools and the wider community is wonderful, and we’re proud to have created something that is having such a positive impact.”

With the first weekend of matches complete, anticipation continues to build for the rest of the tournament, as teams vie not only for victory but for the chance to compete in the Scotiabank U11 Mixed Championships National playoffs. The teams also vied strongly for the coveted fair play award which also positions the winner to earn a spot in the National Championships.

“This initiative has a dual impact,” said Andrew Edwards, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Sporting Director for the Scotiabank Kids Championship. “There’s the football side of it—engaging the kids, helping them have fun and a great experience—and then there’s the ‘League of Life,’ a board game that teaches financial literacy and money management. It was very pleasing to see how engaged the children were during the League of Life session held the day before the match. Some were so into it that they didn’t want to stop playing. That level of interest tells us we’re not just entertaining them—we’re empowering them with skills for life–and that’s a huge win.”

The Scotiabank Kids Championship will continue over the weekends in May, featuring spirited matchups, community engagement, and plenty of football fun.

Participating Schools Included (May 3 & 4):

New Green Primary, Ebenezer Primary, Greater Portmore Primary, Ascot Primary, Bethabra Primary, New Forest Primary, Christiana Moravian, Villa Road Primary, Somerset Primary, McCauley Primary, Spalding Primary, Pike Primary, Bellefield Primary, South Starz Academy, Hanbury Primary, Kilsyth Primary, Knox Junior School, and Sacred Heart Academy.

The tournament continues this weekend, May 9 and 10, in Montego Bay. Eighteen schools are scheduled to participate: Irwin Primary, John's Hall Primary, Corinaldi Avenue Primary, Flankers Primary, Wakefield Primary, John Rollins Success Primary, Catherine Hall Primary, Fairfield International Academy, Tower Hilll Primary, Granville Primary Trelawny, Granville Primary St. James, Williams Elite Prep, Maldon Primary, Hosanna Prep, Adelphi Primary, Mt. Salem, Chetwood Primary, and Falmouth Primary

This marks the first implementation of the Scotiabank Kids Championship in the English-speaking Caribbean, expanding on Scotiabank’s legacy of supporting youth through sport across the region.