President of the St James Football Association (StJFA), Orville Powell (left), accepts the $300,000 sponsorship cheque for the St James FA/Captain's Bakery Knockout football competition from Lorraine Wallace, head of operations at the Captain's Bakery in Montego Bay, at the launch in the western city. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

The 2008 St James Football Association (StJFA)/Captain's Bakery Knockout football competition, which is sponsored to the tune of $300,000 and carries a $30,000 winner purse, is slated to kick-off on Thursday afternoon in Montego Bay with two games.

At the launch in Montego Bay, STJFA vice-president, George Evans, said the competition, which is in its fifth year, will be contested by the parish's 12 senior league teams, as well as the parish's six representatives in the Jamaica Football Federation Western Confederation Super League.

"This competition will feature the top 18 teams in the parish, so we are expecting a fantastic competition," said Evans. "We are once again thankful that, despite difficult economic times, the Captain's Bakery continues to support our football."

In the games scheduled for Thursday, ACES FC will meet Granville City at the UDC playing field, starting at 3 p.m.

At the same time, Catherine Hall FC will battle Mount Salem at the Albion Youth Centre. The winners will advance to the competition's second round, which will start on November 20.

Start of season

"This competition will signal the start of the 2008-09 StJFA domestic season. We'll see to it that whatever unfolds will help to promote the sponsor in a positive light," said STJFA president, Orvillve Powell. "I am also calling on the teams to support the sponsor's products because it is always good to support those who support us."

In addition to the $30,000 winners purse, the winner of the competition will earn the right to represent St James in the all-island knockout football com-petition. The second place team will pocket $20,000 and third place $10,000.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Lorraine Wallace, head of operations at the Captain's Bakery branch in Montego Bay, said the company was delighted to renew its sponsorship with the STJFA, and was looking forward to a rewarding season of high-quality football.

"We are committed to the development of football as a part of our community outreach," said Ms. Wallace. "I use this opportunity to wish all the players and teams a successful season."