The 2024 Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side “Peace Through Sports” Football Competition kicked off on Sunday, uniting Waterhouse and neighboring communities at the Red Stripe headquarters on Spanish Town Road. The event aims to foster peace through sport, creating a space for community building and camaraderie.

The opening ceremony featured a vibrant dress parade, with Basement taking the top spot for best-dressed team, followed by Friends For Real in second place and Boom Riddim in third. This year also marked the first time Corporate Jamaica was invited to field teams, highlighting the tournament's growing influence as a platform for positive community engagement.

The day’s matches saw Ball Spot claim a 3-1 victory over Basic, while Legacy edged past Boom Riddim in a tight 3-2 match. The fixture between Fesgas and Youths United ended in a scoreless draw, showcasing strong defense. In another close game, Friends For Real earned a 1-0 win against Basement.

Ashoka delivered an impressive performance, defeating Dream Team 4-1, while Real City closed out the day with a narrow 1-0 victory over tournament hosts Red Stripe.

The competition, part of Fraser-Pryce’s ongoing commitment to community development, reinforces the power of sports as a unifying force and a way to promote peace among communities.

The Pocket Rocket Foundation is set to host its 9th annual Six-A-Side ‘Peace Through Sports’ Football Competition, kicking off on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Red Stripe Sports Complex, 214 Spanish Town Road in Kingston.

The event will begin with an Opening Ceremony and Dress Parade. Over the course of five weeks, 20 teams will compete every Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a grand finale on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Entry is free to the public.

Founder Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce spoke about the competition’s mission, saying, “This is about more than just football. It’s an opportunity to bring people from rival communities together and use sport as a way to build unity, trust, and discipline. We want the players from these communities to not only enjoy the game but also take away valuable life lessons.”

Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Executive Director of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, added, “The foundation is excited to facilitate this competition once again. It remains a powerful way to promote unity within communities and provide a platform for men with a passion for football to participate and compete for prizes. We are also grateful for the continued support from the Hunts Bay Police for their support in ensuring a safe environment, allowing players to focus on the competition and the camaraderie it fosters.”

Teams will be divided into five zones, competing in a round-robin format. The top team from each zone, along with the three best second-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. Prizes include cash awards, trophies, and individual accolades such as Most Valuable Player, Leading Goal Scorer, Best Defender, and Most Disciplined Team.

This year’s competition is made possible by sponsors NIKE, AFIMI, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants, and Sanmerna Paper Products Limited.

After Sunday's Opening Ceremony and Dress Parade, six matches will be played from 3:00pm-5:00pm.

At 3, Real City will take on Red Stripe while Asoka Road face Dream Team. At 4, Fes Gas will take on Youths while Basement faces Friends For Real before at 5, Boom Riddim faces Legacy and Ball Spot takes on Basic 1.

Jamaican track and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed her deep gratitude after learning about the impact she had on New Zealand rugby sevens player Michaela Blyde, who recently revealed how much Fraser-Pryce inspired her growing up. Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday, following her Pocket Rocket Foundation’s scholarship ceremony, Fraser-Pryce reflected on her meeting with Blyde during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“That was such a touching moment for me,” Fraser-Pryce said, recalling their encounter. “I was trying to keep a low profile, and it wasn’t low at all. But when I met her, just her presence and how she spoke of me really put things in perspective for me as an athlete. It reminded me of what I’ve been able to accomplish and how others are inspired by that. It’s why I continue to do what I do because I know there are athletes out there who need that inspiration.”

Blyde, a key player for New Zealand’s national rugby sevens team, had previously opened up about how Fraser-Pryce motivated her to dream of winning Olympic gold medals in the 100m and 200m. Meeting the Jamaican sprint queen at the Paris Olympics, she said, was life-changing. Blyde shared that she had long admired Fraser-Pryce, describing the experience as “the greatest thing that happened to her.”

Fraser-Pryce, moved by Blyde’s comments, spoke about how athletes like Blyde remind her of the broader influence she has. “There are athletes out there who can take something from your journey, and it’s truly remarkable to witness that with her. To have that friendship and bond is something special.”

In an unexpected but meaningful gesture, Fraser-Pryce attended one of Blyde’s rugby matches during the Olympic Games, marking her first time watching another sport in person at the Olympics. “Never in my entire Olympic journey have I attended any other sport. It was my first time going to another sport, and just watching the reaction from the athlete made me proud. I’m truly humbled and grateful to God for the platform He has given me and how much I’ve been able to carry, not just myself but also the national flag.”

Fraser-Pryce highlighted the significance of the moment, not just for herself, but for all Jamaicans. “It’s truly a moment not just for me, but I think for all Jamaicans to know that even though we’re a tiny dot on the map, we’re huge when it comes to our impact. People look up to us, they emulate us, and they want to be like us.”

Blyde’s emotional response to Fraser-Pryce’s presence at her match against China made the encounter even more memorable. "Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is actually the reason why I wanted to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games. That was my initial Olympic dream,” Blyde said in an interview. “When I saw her in person, my whole soul left my body and was watching me from above. And then she said, ‘I’ll come watch you play.’ I never imagined it would actually happen.”

Blyde recounted how surreal it felt hearing her name called from the stands during the match. “After our game against China, I heard someone calling, ‘Michaela,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, I recognize that voice.’ I looked over, and there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, watching us play. It’s a memory I will never forget.”

The mutual admiration between the two athletes highlights the far-reaching influence of Fraser-Pryce, whose career continues to inspire athletes across various sports around the world.

For Ann-Marie Black, a self-employed mother from rural Jamaica, raising three sprint hurdlers has been a challenging but rewarding journey. On Wednesday, that journey reached a significant milestone as her youngest daughter, Yukika Harris, was awarded a scholarship by the Pocket Rocket Foundation, led by track icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The awards, presented at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston, saw 20 student-athletes, including Yukika, receive scholarships, the largest number ever awarded in the foundation's 11-year history.

Black, whose elder daughters, Habiba and Winsome Harris, also Pocket Rocket Scholarship recipients, was elated. For her, the scholarship means more than just financial relief. "Being a single mom, it has helped me a lot. Knowing that they are on the scholarship, I don’t have to stress much about their school fees and stuff, so I am very, very appreciative of these scholarships," she said.

Reflecting on where her daughters’ athletic talents come from, Black proudly shared her own history of sprinting at the Springfield All-Age and Lewisville Vocational schools. "I used to run the 100m and the 200m," she revealed. Today, the legacy continues not only through her daughters but also her grandson, Martino Baker, who dreams of becoming the next Usain Bolt while running for Glen Stewart Primary School.

Yukika, a rising star at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, is determined to outshine her sisters on the track. Black recalled a moment that encapsulated her daughter’s fighting spirit. "I

remember once I said to her; I call her Mary, I said, ‘Mary, you’re tiny,’ and she replied, ‘Mommy, is Shelly-Ann Fraser big?’” Shelly-Ann, Black said, was "elated" to know that her foundation's impact was deeply appreciated by families like theirs.

Three of Black's daughters have been scholarship beneficiaries

Another proud family present at the ceremony was that of Akira Graham, a student-athlete from St. Andrew High School for Girls. Like Yukika, Akira was among the 20 students to receive a scholarship, an achievement she worked hard for. "It means that you are attentive in your work and your athletics, and this scholarship to me has just proven that once you put in the work for both parts of the journey, you can get something out of it. I think I make my parents very proud," she said with a smile.

Her parents, Stanley and Iveta Graham, couldn’t agree more. "It’s a big help; we are so proud of her," said Iveta. "She started this journey with athletics during Covid just because she wanted to get out of the house, and it was a real push for her to stay. It just shows that with determination and support, your child can do great things."

Iveta believes the scholarship is not only a recognition of her daughter’s hard work but also a crucial financial lifeline, especially as she prepares for her CXC exams. "It’s something that I would like all parents to realize, which is that their child is great, and you just need to encourage the greatness," she said. "For us, this is going to be a great help because this is her CXC year, and school is expensive."

This year’s recipients, selected from a record-breaking 162 applicants, included an outstanding group of student-athletes excelling both academically and athletically with 80 per cent of the applicant exceeding the qualifying criteria. Alas, only 20 could be selected, among them was Danielle Noble from Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to balance her education and athletics with less financial strain. Matthew Lambert of Knox College and Mattheau Thaxter of Wolmer’s Boys also earned scholarships for their dedication to both schoolwork and sport, along with Iorek Evans from Belair High School and Ajani Murphy of Guy’s Hill High School.

Michael Edwards from Jamaica College, Keelan Smith of Holy Childhood, and Keeshawn Yorke from York Castle High School, each of whom have shown remarkable talent, were also among those recognized. Shameika Dennis of St. Elizabeth Technical High School shared the honour with Yukika, as did Tirunesh Johnson of St. Mary High School and Nicholie Barclay of St. Jago High School, all of whom have consistently demonstrated excellence in both their studies and sporting endeavors.

Ruth Lewis of Belair High School, Abigail Lemard from Wolmer’s Girls, and Nevaeh Dawkins of Campion College were among the girls rewarded for their hard work, while Rickardo Mundle from Wolmer’s Boys, Ithran Softley from Papine High School, Shwayne McDermot of Knox College, and Imani Wint from Wolmer’s Girls rounded out the group of deserving recipients.

Yukika Harris receiving a gift bag courtesy of Nike from icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and a basket of goodies from Carlene Holness Promotions and Events Supervisor at GraceKennedy during the awards ceremony on Wednesday.

The scholarships, now in their 11th year, have grown significantly, with the Pocket Rocket Foundation having awarded 93 scholarships to date. For many of these young athletes, the scholarships are not just financial support but a validation of their hard work, discipline, and talent.

For Ann-Marie Black and the Graham family, the scholarships signify more than just a helping hand—they are a testament to the power of sport to uplift families and communities. "Sports takes us out of poverty as far as I am concerned because if you see the kids have the ability to do it, you let them do it," said Black, expressing gratitude for the opportunities her children have been given.

As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation continues to grow, so too does its impact on the lives of young Jamaicans, inspiring them to reach for greatness in all aspects of their lives.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist known affectionately as the "Pocket Rocket," ignited the spirit of Easter joy in her beloved Waterhouse community with a heartwarming gesture that echoed her commitment to social outreach. On the bright Saturday morning of March 30th, the SFP Pocket Rocket Foundation launched its annual Easter Treat, marking the onset of its community engagement efforts for the year 2024.

With the indomitable Shelly-Ann herself at the forefront, the Foundation embarked on a mission to spread cheer and goodwill. Armed with over $500,000 worth of the quintessential Jamaican Easter fare—bun and cheese—the Mommy Rocket took to the streets of Ashoka Road, beckoning her neighbors to partake in the festivities.

In a display of her down-to-earth demeanor, Shelly-Ann extended a simple yet heartfelt invitation to the community members, urging them to gather at her grandmother's humble abode to receive their Easter treats. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as residents eagerly lined up, each clutching their PRF-branded bags in anticipation of the delights within.

The scale of this year's Easter Treat dwarfed its predecessors, a testament to the growing impact of the Foundation's endeavors. Where once a modest gathering of around a hundred souls had been the norm, now over 300 individuals found themselves beneficiaries of Shelly-Ann's generosity.

The significance of this event reverberated throughout Waterhouse, a neighborhood that had long been touched by the benevolent efforts of the Pocket Rocket Foundation. Just a few months prior, the Foundation had celebrated a decade of unwavering dedication to community development with a grand Fundraising Gala. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors, the Foundation had been empowered to expand its reach, ensuring that even more souls could partake in the joyous Easter festivities.

As the day drew to a close and the last bag of bun and cheese found its home, the echoes of laughter and gratitude lingered in the air. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, with her boundless energy and compassionate spirit, had once again exemplified the true essence of Easter—unity, generosity, and the simple joy of giving. In the hearts of the Waterhouse community, her legacy as a champion both on and off the track would forever endure.

In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Olympic and World Championship star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made a significant donation to the Olympic Gardens Football Club, spreading inspiration and support to the local athletes. The donation, which included essential gear and supplies, was accompanied by a heartfelt message from the iconic sprinter, who hails from the nearby Waterhouse community.

The Olympic Gardens Football Club, based at the Cling Cling Oval in Olympic Gardens, serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring young athletes from the surrounding area. Fielding teams across various age groups and categories, including a Super League team, as well as Under-13, 15, 17, 20, and Female teams, the club operates on a voluntary basis, with all funds and resources dedicated to providing equipment and opportunities for its members.

Fraser-Pryce, affectionately known as the "Pocket Rocket" for her explosive speed on the track, has long been an inspiration to athletes both locally and internationally. Hailing from the Waterhouse community herself, Fraser-Pryce understands the importance of support and encouragement in nurturing talent and fostering dreams.

On Tuesday evening, Fraser-Pryce extended her support to the Olympic Gardens Football Club with a generous donation totaling JMD$100,000 towards the team's feeding programme.  Alongside the financial contribution, the athletes were thrilled to receive 21 pairs of football boots and socks, courtesy of NIKE, ensuring they have the necessary gear to excel on the field.

Additionally, each player received NIKE drawstring bags, providing a sense of pride and belonging, while further enhancing their sporting experience. To keep the athletes hydrated and energized, Fraser-Pryce arranged for them to receive 876 Water and Lucozade, essential elements for peak performance on the pitch.

The donation from Fraser-Pryce was not just a gesture of goodwill but also a message of inspiration and encouragement to the young athletes of Olympic Gardens Football Club. Through her actions, she reminded them that with dedication, hard work, and support from the community, they can achieve their goals and dreams, no matter how big or small.

She also emphasized the importance of teamwork, which allows them to achieve success and the recognition necessary to attain greater levels of reward for their hard work. (see video below)

On Saturday, December 15, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's Pocket Rocket Foundation brought the spirit of Christmas to Ewarton as they hosted a festive treat for an estimated 300 children at the Windalco Sports Complex. Fraser-Pryce's husband, Jason Pryce, hailing from the community, played a significant role in bringing this heartwarming event to his hometown.

Through the generous support of sponsors and the unwavering commitment of Fraser-Pryce, the children of Ewarton enjoyed a day filled with laughter, gifts, and exciting activities. This marks the third consecutive year that the Pocket Rocket Foundation has organized such an event in Ewarton, a testament to the foundation's dedication to spreading joy during the holiday season.

Fraser-Pryce, a decorated athlete and Olympic gold medalist, has not only excelled on the track but has also embraced the role of a benefactor to the community, particularly the children who eagerly anticipate the annual Christmas treat. With support from sponsors, including Digicel, the treat featured an array of delightful activities for the children, including rides on bounce-abouts, a rock climbing experience, and merry-go-rounds.

"We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors who have made this event possible. It's heartening to see the smiles on the children's faces as they enjoy the festivities," expressed Fraser-Pryce.

Sponsored in part by Digicel, the treat not only brought joy but also provided practical gifts for the children. NIKE contributed drawstring bags, socks, and pens, adding a touch of excitement to the holiday season. Digicel covered the costs of toys and rides, while Gracekennedy sponsored refreshments, ensuring the children had a memorable and enjoyable experience.

To make the occasion even more special, the foundation purchased 30 gallons of ice cream, adding a sweet touch to the festivities. Excelsior, a valued partner, distributed snack packs to all 300 children who gathered at the Windalco Sports Complex. This year, Windalco Sports Complex collaborated with the Pocket Rocket Foundation to create a safer and more conducive environment for the children.

Highlighting the sense of community and continuity, some past and present recipients of the foundation's support traveled to Ewarton to volunteer and share in the joyous occasion. Toyota Jamaica once again played a crucial role by providing transportation, ensuring that the children had a seamless and enjoyable experience.

As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, gifts, and shared moments, the Pocket Rocket Foundation, through Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's vision, once again demonstrated the power of giving back and spreading the true spirit of Christmas in Ewarton.

In a heart-stopping finale at the FESCO Football Field along Spanish Town Road, Real City emerged as the champions of the Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition, clinching victory with a 1-0 win over a resilient Basement team.

The Waterhouse-based football tournament made its return on October 17 after a three-year absence and saw 16 teams competing for the $280,000 winning pot and other prizes.

“I am very pleased with how the competition turned out,” said Pocket Rocket Foundation Founder, Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. “We are celebrating our 10th anniversary as a foundation and this competition has been a staple for many years. The community have really come together over the past several weeks to cheer on and support their favourite teams, which is exactly what we wanted to see.”

Real City coach, Lennoy Noble said, despite having to players out with groin injuries, his team played a wonderful game. “It was a good day. Kudos to the basement football team, they put up a good fight, but never-the-less we came out victorious. I just want to say thanks to the team for their excellent work and the best moving forward and also give thanks to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for putting this competition together,” Noble said.

Real City's elation was evident. "This win means everything to us," said team captain Ricardo Schafe. "The competition was fierce, and Basement gave us a run for our money, but our determination and teamwork brought us through. We're ecstatic."

The award ceremony saw the top three teams, Real City, Basement and Black Strikers walking away with $280,000, $180,000 and $80,000 respectively. Team Eurotrend added a touch of style to the competition, bagging the Best Dressed Team award and a cash prize of $15,000.

Individual excellence was acknowledged with the Digicel Sponsored Best Defender and Most Valuable Player going to Real City’s Oraine Blackwood and Ackeem Green, respectively.

"Defense is often overlooked, so this award is an honor. It's a testament to the hard work we put in as a team," Green said. Blackwood agreed, saying, "Individual awards are great, but it's the team effort that got us here. This is a victory for all of Real City."

Real City and Basement will contest the final of the 2023 SFP Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side competition after semi-final wins at the FESCO Field in Waterhouse over the weekend.

Sunday saw Real City secure their spot in the final with a 2-0 win over Lion Den thanks to goals from Nico McLeish and Hakeem Green.

Their opponents in the final will be Basement who beat Black Strikers 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a strike from Taywane Lynch.

The final takes place on Sunday, December 3 at 3:30pm.

In a heartwarming celebration of athletic excellence and academic dedication, three-time Olympic gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was awarded the Alumni Exemplar Sports Award at the University of the West Indies' 75th-anniversary event on Friday night.

The Jamaican sprinting sensation, a five-time world 100m champion, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition from the university that she attended for just one month several years ago.

In a statement shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Fraser-Pryce expressed her honour, saying, "I am honoured to receive the 2023 Alumni Exemplar Sports Award from the University of the West Indies at their 75th Anniversary Celebration."

She went on to emphasize the dual pillars of her career, stating, "My career has always been rooted in sports and education, and as I go into another year, I’m committed to continue my work with @sfppocketrocketfoundation to ensure students are ready to rise."

Fraser-Pryce, who had previously been honored with an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of the West Indies in 2016, as well as a similar honor from the University of Technology, seized the spotlight once again.

Her remarkable achievements extend beyond the track, as she graduated from the University of Technology in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Development with honors.

The star sprinter, known for her incredible speed on the track, has also proven to be a force for positive change off the field. As the founder of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, Fraser-Pryce has dedicated herself to providing crucial financial support to deserving student-athletes. Her foundation is a testament to her commitment to the intersection of sports and education.

This recognition comes as Fraser-Pryce sets her sights on another historic milestone – a third Olympic 100m gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stood at the podium, her radiant smile reflecting the immense pride she felt for the Pocket Rocket Foundation on its 10th anniversary. The celebration and fundraiser were taking place at the elegant AC Hotel in Kingston, and it was a night of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the under-served Waterhouse community and student athletes who had benefitted from the foundation's scholarships.

She began by expressing her deep gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and friends who had supported the foundation over the past decade. "It's because of your generosity why we're here this evening that we're able to celebrate 10 years of the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The impact and the legacy that we have had throughout the 10 years is all because of you," she emphasized.

Turning her attention to the foundation's origin, Fraser-Pryce shared the motivation behind its creation. "Now, the reason I have the Pocket Rocket Foundation is because for all of my life, there are so many persons that poured into who I was and who I was going to become. They saw vision, they saw hope, they saw so much more, and it's because of that why we have the Pocket Rocket Foundation."

The five-time World 100m champion recognized the importance of balancing education and sports to transform lives, a lesson she learned early in her life. "When I was in Waterhouse, I always knew; like my mom would say to me that sports was going to be my way out. We have to learn to strike the balance between education and sport to transform your life, and I learned that early that that was going to be the case."

She stressed the significance of service, explaining, "Service is our greatest strength. I've always believed that. For those who serve, you are powerful. It's your strength that's where you lead from. I crossed the line and I wanted to give back."

The three-time Olympic gold medalist praised her then manager, Bruce James, who helped her set up the foundation. "I said to Mr. (Bruce) James I needed to start my foundation, and I wanted to have impact. I don't want to start a foundation because it looks good on paper or it sounds good. I want to start a foundation because I want to have impact. I want to give student athletes the same privilege, the same chance to dream, to plant a seed, to have hope."

She thanked the foundation's initial supporters, including GraceKennedy, Digicel, and Nike, for providing the initial funding. Sagicor's contribution, providing a rent-free home for the foundation for almost two years, was especially noteworthy. Shelly-Ann recognized the importance of transparency and integrity in her foundation's operations.

Throughout her speech, Shelly-Ann expressed her gratitude to her sponsors for their unwavering support. "There's never a time that I've called on any of my sponsors to say, I need your support, I need to donate food, I need toys for the kids, I need bags, and they're always there. I've never heard I can't. It's always yes."

Shelly-Ann then highlighted the impact the Pocket Rocket Foundation had on student athletes. "73 student athletes over the 10 years. It's just remarkable for me to have seen a lot of you transcend so many different things."

She mentioned examples like Tahj Lumley, one of the foundation's first recipients, who became the national squash coach, and Jovaine (Atkinson), who became a pilot. "When you talk about them, it is hope and that is the seed that we have planted in their lives because of you. I want to be able to fuel those dreams and help them surpass their own expectations."

The foundation's initiatives, including the breakfast program with GraceKennedy, aimed to make a difference in the Waterhouse community. Shelly-Ann emphasized the importance of providing every child with access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's circumstances.

Discussing the foundation's football program, she said, "When you talk about peace through sports, that's what our football program does. It's bringing young men from different communities who are otherwise pre-occupied or not speaking. We're able to bridge that gap because of that football competition."

Shelly-Ann hoped for a better, more united Waterhouse through her foundation's efforts. "That's the Waterhouse that I want. That's the Waterhouse that I'm dreaming of. We want to have impact, we want to have legacy."

In closing, Shelly-Ann emphasized that her own journey was a blueprint for the student athletes. "You can have balance. Having that balance and striking that balance is difficult, but it's possible. I did it. I am the blueprint. I am showing them the way.”

Several sponsors received awards on the night for their contributions to the Pocket Rocket Foundation (PRF) over the past decade.  GraceKennedy Ltd received the Pocket Rocket Foundation Pinnacle Award, Nike received the PRF Trailblazer Award, the PRF Standout Performer went to Wisynco, the PRF Start Award went to Sagicor, the PRF Change Award went to Digicel and the PRF Trendsetter Award was received by American Friends of Jamaica.

Citizens of the Waterhouse community were treated to an exciting day of football as the SFP Pocket Rocket Foundation Community 6-a-side tournament made its return to after a three-year absence on Saturday at the Fesco Football Field.

Five-time World 100m Champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who grew up in Waterhouse, is putting on the event through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.

“I’m overjoyed because we’ve been absent for three years and to be able to come back this time around to a clean field and new sponsors is such a blessing. I’m grateful for the outpour of support that we’ve had for the competition and we’re looking forward to more support,” Fraser-Pryce told SportsMax.tv.

“We know how many persons in the community have missed the competition so to be able to be back and see the joy from everybody is really wonderful,” she added.

In relation to the turnout on Saturday, Fraser-Pryce couldn’t have been more pleased.

“I feel so good. As you can see, there are so many persons here. I’m grateful to GraceKennedy for bringing the hot-dogs and vita malt because you can’t have a crowd and not have food!”

“I’ve been blessed to have seen the growth of this competition and seen the faces of the kids when they come and watch the football. Otherwise, they’d probably be pre-occupied with other things but I’m glad that I’m able to add another exciting thing to their lives,” added the three-time Olympic champion.

Fraser-Pryce also noted that this year’s competition is extra special due to 2023 being the tenth anniversary of her Pocket Rocket Foundation.

“It’s amazing! Ten years. A decade of difference. I’ve been able to do so much and invest in lives and communities across Jamaica in such a major way. We’ve been able to implement a breakfast program, we’ve given 73 student-athlete scholarships, we’ve seen these student-athletes transition from high school to college and from college to being pilots,” she said.

“It’s incredible for me to see the growth of the foundation and we’re looking forward to continue to fuel more student athletes toward their dreams. We look forward to hosting out gala on November 4 at the AC Hotel and persons who are interested in purchasing tickets can go to our website,” she added.

Petroleum giants Fesco are the title sponsors of this year’s event and they were also able to give out free cooking gas to some members of the community.

“We have established a presence here in Waterhouse and, as again we’re a proudly Jamaican company. Who can you be more proud of in Jamaica than Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and the Pocket Rocket Foundation,” said Fesco Managing Director, Jeremy Barnes.

“I think it’s a marriage made in heaven. Again, we’re a part of this community and we want to reach out to the residents and business community in this area. They have supported us and helped us along our journey as a company and, as such, we have decided to give back to the community,” he added.

As for the action on the field, the first game saw defending champions Legacy being beaten 1-0 by Legend while Trendsetter and Miles United played out a tense 0-0 draw in the second game.

Sunday’s matches saw Medley Mixers defeat Black Strikers 1-0 while Real City beat St. Aubyn 1-0 in the day’s second game.

Monday's games saw Ashoka beat Ballspot 2-1 while Eurotrend vs Dupont Stikers and Moscow vs Lion Den both ended in draws.

After a three-year hiatus due in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation is set to resume an inter-community six-a-side football tournament in Waterhouse.

The tournament dubbed the Fesco Six-A-Side Football Competition, will see 16 teams from Waterhouse and adjoining communities vying for cash and other prizes and even more importantly, harmony between communities that are occasionally in violent conflict with each other. Matches will be played on Saturdays beginning on October 14 until the grand finale on November 19.

For the opening weekend, matches will also be played on Monday, October 16, National Heroes Day in Jamaica.

The multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medallist told Sportsmax.TV that she is glad that she is able to resume the competition that for almost a decade engaged young men in the under-served communities.

“This is going to be our eighth staging and we were away for three years. For me, it’s about being able to engage young men coming together from different communities on the football field. Everybody knows what football does to the world and we want to offer young men an opportunity to relate to each other, to understand that we’re vying for something, that we can be competitive but we can have sportsmanship. We can understand that we are all fighting for the same thing, just to co-exist and having the football come back is a huge opportunity to see what the community has been doing, how we can engage them,” said Fraser-Pryce, whose Pocket Rocket Foundation is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

The foundation has brought gasoline marketers and distributors, Fesco, on board as a title sponsor and Fraser-Pryce expressed her gratitude at having them on board, stating, “We are fortunate to have Fesco as one of our title sponsors. They have been such a pillar in the community because they are in the process of opening a gas station in my community so we are looking forward to the partnership and just to engage the young men.”

Teams will be outfitted by Nike and the iconic athlete promised that the tournament will be so much more than just about football. She expects it to be a fulfilling experience for the communities involved.

“We will have an ambulance on site. We will have entertainment and giveaways and a whole host of things. One of the things we want to do this year is to make sure that each Saturday we have an outreach, whether its inviting the cancer society or having blood pressure checks, different things that can engage the community as a whole.”

The football competition is among several initiatives that the Pocket Rocket Foundation is undertaking this year. There is a fundraising gala on November 4 at the AC Hotel in Kingston and its Christmas treat for the Waterhouse community later this year.

Global track and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and her Pocket Rocket Foundation are celebrating 10 years of existence this year and in celebration, and to raise funds to offer even more scholarships to student-athletes in need of financial support, will be staging a fundraising banquet on November 4 that will be streamed on Sportsmax.

The two-time Olympic 100m gold medallist promises that the occasion will be one to remember.

Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has awarded scholarships to 73 student athletes across various sports from 26 schools across Jamaica. They are able to do so through generous backing from companies like GraceKennedy, Digicel and now National Baking Company Foundation, who donated JMD$1,000,000.00 to the foundation at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday when 11 more student-athletes were awarded scholarships.

Each scholarship recipient, in addition to the JMD$100,000 academic scholarship, will also receive, JMD$7500 NIKE book bag, official Pocket Rocket Foundation notebooks and Promise Pin, a JMD$15,000 Book voucher, a $10,000 GraceKennedy Food Basket and a JMD$25,000 DIGICEL Tablet with JMD$3,000 worth of credit.

Fraser-Pryce explained afterwards that the work is just beginning hence the fundraiser planned for next month.

“For the Pocket Rocket Foundation, we have a lot of visions that we are implementing currently from the Rocket Start Breakfast Programme that we rolled out last year, donating deep freezes and refrigerators to different schools, just to enhance school life,” she remarked.

“What we have coming up is the Pocket Rocket Foundation’s 10^th anniversary fundraising gala at the AC Hotel on November 4 when we are looking forward to all that we have been able to accomplish throughout the years as well as implementing a (public-relations) etiquette seminar for students.”

Among the foundation’s future plans is a strategy to prepare high school student-athletes for college by providing them with the tools they need to successfully make the transition thus enhancing the chances of success.

“I think one of the things that is also important for the foundation is college readiness,” said Fraser-Pryce, who has a degree in Child and Adolescent Development from the University of Technology.

“We have a lot of athletes that are here from different sports and a lot of them will need help in transitioning because it is not as easy as it seems. It definitely takes a while to transition and some of the things we want also want to be able to offer them is mental health support because for a lot of persons there are different ways that they cope and I want to assist as best as possible, helping them to cope. It’s not just about giving them cash and kind but it is to be readily available to cater to different needs that we don’t know of or money can’t buy.”

These are among the reasons why the five-time World 100m champion will be asking patrons of the gala to make the sacrifice and turn out for the occasion because every dollar raised will go towards building these student-athletes into productive citizens of Jamaica.

“How it works is that you just empty your bank account, give it us and we can continue to invest in student-athletes,” she said breaking out into laughter.

“The ticket costs USD$350 and also, as a company, you can be a sponsor of the gala and you can have a table for your company to have up to 10 persons to attend. We’ll have items for auction and raffle items,” she said.

“Sportsmax will also be there to live-stream the event so wherever you are in the world you will be able to participate. It will be a night of excellence.”

Rising sprint sensation Natrece East of Wolmer’s Girls is among this year’s Pocket Rocket Foundation Scholarship recipients, who will receive a significant financial boost towards their academic and sporting pursuits.

Through donations and fundraisings, the foundation, which is the brainchild of Jamaica’s sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, offers financial assistance to high school student athletes, between second form and sixth form, who represent their school in any sporting discipline.

This year, East, who won the Class three 200m title at ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships earlier this year, and is also a national representative, is among 11 recipients from various high schools.

Tshani Armstrong of St Catherine; Tyrone Lawson of Jamaica College, Lysander Taylor of Papine; Karissa Kelly of Wolmer’s Girls; Nickayla Russell of Holmwood Technical; Kenrick McFarlane of Excelsior; Jaheim Jackson of Knox College; Joel Lamm of Wolmer’s Boys; Jordyne Grant, also of Wolmer’s Boys, and Streme Cha of Campion College, are the other recipients.

Each recipient will receive $100,000 towards their high school expenses to include, tuition, books, uniform, lunch and travel, which is to be redeemed annually, provided their exemplary academic standards and disciplined behaviour remain intact.

This brings the number to over 66 student athletes across more than 22 different high schools competing in 11 different sporting disciplines that have benefited from Academic Scholarship, since the foundation's inception in 2013.

Scholarships are awarded based on exemplary performance in both academics and athletics.