Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, founder and chairwoman of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, has praised the success and impact of the Foundation’s annual Six-A-Side Football Competition, which concluded on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Red Stripe Sports Complex in Kingston. Speaking after the final match, Fraser-Pryce highlighted the tournament's role in fostering community spirit, empowerment, and peace through sports.
“These past weeks have been nothing short of incredible,” Fraser-Pryce said. “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.”
The tournament, which featured 20 teams playing 36 matches, concluded with Friends for Real securing a 1-0 victory over Medley Mixers in the championship match. The decisive goal, scored by Emeil Atkinson, capped an unbeaten run for the first-time entrants from the Olympic Gardens Football Club. Earlier in the day, Legend defeated Legacy 2-1 in a competitive third-place playoff.
Captain of Friends for Real, Wyan Nelson, reflected on the journey to the title. “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.”
This year’s competition was the largest in its history, with cash prizes of $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 awarded to the first, second, and third-place teams, respectively. Over $500,000 in additional prizes were presented for individual awards, including Top Goal Scorer, Best Defender, and Most Valuable Player. Participation medals and trophies were awarded to the top three teams, and Team Basement claimed honours for Best Dressed Team and Most Disciplined Team.
The Pocket Rocket Foundation’s Peace Through Sports initiative, supported by the Hunts Bay Police, continues to play a vital role in strengthening bonds within the Waterhouse and surrounding communities. Fraser-Pryce extended her gratitude to sponsors, including NIKE, AFIMI, Grace Foods, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants, Dollette and Ken, and Sanmerna Paper Products, whose contributions ensured the success of the tournament.
With its blend of competitive football, community engagement, and social impact, the Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition once again highlighted the unifying power of sports and Fraser-Pryce’s unwavering commitment to uplifting communities.