Staff Foundation kicks off football bonanza to inspire youth through sport

With football capturing the attention of fans around the world this summer, schools closed for the holidays, and parents seeking safe, structured activities for their children, the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation (Grace & Staff) is using the sport to help young people build confidence, strengthen friendships, and stay positively engaged.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, more than 30 teenagers from four communities, Downtown Kingston, Majesty Gardens, Barbican, and De La Vega City in Spanish Town, came together at The Queen’s School football field for the Foundation’s inaugural Football Bonanza.

Participants, aged 13 to 18 and enrolled in Grace & Staff’s tuition assistance programme, competed in dribbling and juggling challenges before taking part in a series of small-sided matches that emphasised teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendly competition.

Students also stepped into the roles of commentators and match analysts, delivering live play-by-play commentary and post-match analysis to strengthen their public speaking, communication, and critical thinking skills.

“We wanted every student to feel included, whether they were playing or contributing in another way,” said Sujae Boswell, Programme Manager at Grace & Staff. “Watching them confidently analyse matches and encourage their peers reminded us that youth development extends far beyond athletic ability. Sometimes all young people need is an opportunity.”

“Summer can leave many young people with limited opportunities to stay engaged, so we wanted to create an experience that keeps them active while helping them build relationships across communities,” noted Boswell. “For many of these students, football is much more than a game. It provides an opportunity to express themselves, develop confidence, learn discipline, and discover that they have something positive to contribute both on and off the field.”

Fifteen-year-old Anthony Riley, whose Downtown Kingston team emerged victorious, said the experience was one he will remember: “Football is a big part of my life, and being part of the winning team made the day even more special. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

The Football Bonanza is in line with Grace & Staff’s commitment to youth and community development. Through its six homework centres, the Foundation currently supports approximately 1,500 students through its tuition assistance programme, providing academic support, mentorship, and personal development opportunities across communities in Kingston, St. Catherine, and Westmoreland.

“Every opportunity we create for a young person to learn, connect, and grow is an investment in stronger communities,” said Sandrina Davis, CEO of Grace & Staff. “If football can help build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire even one student to realise their potential, then we’ve achieved something meaningful.”

The Grace & Staff Football Bonanza was made possible through partnerships with Football for the World, which supplied sporting equipment; KFC, which provided lunch for participants and meal vouchers for outstanding performers; and Catherine’s Peak Water, the event’s hydration partner. The Foundation also acknowledged the continued support of GraceKennedy Limited and its team, whose ongoing contributions help sustain its community programmes.