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By Johnathan Paoli
The highly anticipated 3rd Annual Montego Champs 4 Change Tournament kicked off in Graaff-Reinet on Friday to bring awareness to the plight of women and children in the face of violence.
This year’s event, at the Botanics Sports Grounds in Graaff-Reinet, aligns with the country’s National 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, blending youth sportsmanship with a vital social cause.
The soccer tournament showcases the talents of under-9 teams while raising awareness about combating violence against women and children.
With 12 teams competing across three groups, the tournament brings together 120 young athletes, emphasising unity, empowerment and community transformation through sport.
It started with a round-robin group stage, where the 12 teams are divided into three groups of four.
Each team plays three matches within their group, with games lasting 22 minutes and 10-minute halves and a 2-minute halftime.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
From there, the tournament follows a standard knockout format, culminating in the semi-finals and final.
Group A includes the defending champions Jose Mourinho U9, Dangerous Darkies, Union Preparatory 1, and Isibane 2.
Group B consists of the XI Attackers, Birds United, Union Preparatory 2, and Lingcom Primary, while Group C will include the Summers Strikers, Graaff-Reinet United, Isibane 1, and Mountain View FC.
Since its inception in 2022, the tournament has grown into a beacon of hope, promoting conversations about societal challenges while celebrating youth talent.
By combining soccer with activism, the event harnesses the unifying power of sport to inspire young athletes and engage the community.
This year, all proceeds from the tournament will support Siya Phambili, a place of safety for abused women and children in Graaff-Reinet.
Additionally, the tournament incorporates an eco-conscious initiative, accepting 10 empty plastic bottles as an alternative entrance fee to promote recycling.
The tournament’s organisers have ensured that every participant, including players and coaches, receives a meal and a drink, fostering a sense of inclusion and gratitude.
The organisers said that by empowering young athletes and their families, they aimed to contribute to the fight against violence and encourage conversations about creating a safer, more equitable society.
As the tournament’s legacy continues to grow, plans are already in motion for next year’s 4th tournament.
INSIDE EDUCATION