Red Stripe backs Champions Cup

Red Stripe has placed its support behind the Flow Champions Cup as the company last Friday, announced its sponsorship of the 2011 edition of the tournament.

The Flow Champions Cup, which is akin to the exhilarating FA Cup in England, is an islandwide knockout competition that includes the 12 Premier League teams and 14 parish champions.

The first round of competition among the parish champions and the Premier League teams in the bottom half of the standings is scheduled to start on March 9.

Previously branded the Red Stripe Champions Cup in 2007, the competition is known for producing giant-killers, as little-known parish clubs get the chance to match their skills against the country's best on a national stage.

football development

Head of marketing at Red Stripe, Jomo Cato said the avenue for football development the competition provides, guided Red Stripe's decision in the past and continues to do so today.

"'Red Stripe is fully committed to football. The Flow Champions Cup is a great platform for developing new talent. We are excited and encouraged by the passion the tournament brings out and the great opportunity for connecting with our communities," said Cato.

"We saw that take place last year with Humble Lion who, in their first year in the premiership, surprised all and advanced to the final, narrowly losing 3-2 to Boys' Town."

Red Stripe has long been a supporter of local club football as well as the national team.

The company puts its marketing weight behind the Reggae Boyz in previous World Cup campaigns. It was also title sponsor of the Champions Cup between 2004 and 2007.

Games in the SportsMax-managed Flow Champions Cup will be broadcast on local television CVM TV and SportsMax.