Red Hills El Clasico returns with bigger stakes

The Red Hills El Clasico Corner League competition is gearing up for its return on June 7 at the Belvedere Sports Complex in Red Hills, St Andrew, Jamaica. This community football tournament will feature 10 teams vying for supremacy over a 12-week period, with a substantial prize pool exceeding $600,000 in cash and prizes.

“

This event is geared towards bringing out and showing the young talents, and of course, building a vibe in the community as usual.

The league, which concludes on August 23, has rapidly established itself as a premier grassroots football event in the area. It draws talented players and enthusiastic supporters from Red Hills and surrounding communities. Defending champions Gusman will aim to retain their title, while last year's runners-up, Mosquito Valley, will be determined to claim the championship this time around. Other competing teams include Belvedere, East Kirkland Heights, Happy Grove, Rock Hall, Walkers Hill, Package, Sterling Castle, and Coopers Hill.

This year's staging has attracted significant backing from a growing list of sponsors, including the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Universal Service Fund (USF), Foska Oats, Lucozade Sport, Double 7, Lion Pride, Romeich Entertainment, CB Cabling, and Chicken N Tings. This increased corporate support reflects the tournament's rising popularity and positive impact within the community.

“

This year we have some major sponsors. Some sponsors saw last year’s staging and wanted to be a part of it this year.

Shane Clarke, manager of the Red Hills United Football Club (RHUFC), emphasized that the competition serves a dual purpose: providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and fostering community spirit. Clarke noted that the tournament's past successes have been instrumental in attracting additional corporate partners for the 2026 edition. Organizers anticipate the most thrilling season yet, promising 12 weeks of intense competition and a vibrant atmosphere.

“

It is going to be the best staging yet from what we’re seeing, so far… it’s going to be 12 weeks of intense competition and a nice little vibe up in the place.