Charles Chocolates and ISSA Renew Partnership for 2026 Schoolboy Football Season

The partnership continues for a second year, with the beloved Ping Pong brand set to engage young players and communities throughout the Schoolboy Football season

L-R: Marketing Assistant Shavane Pinnock, Raymon Brahim, Country Sales Manager, and Brand Manager Shantavia Samuels.

Charles Chocolates has renewed its partnership with the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) for the 2026 Schoolboy Football Competition, continuing its support for youth development and young talent through sport.

One of Jamaica’s biggest youth sporting events, Schoolboy Football brings together players, schools, families and communities while showcasing the country’s passion for the game.

As part of the partnership, Charles Chocolates’ popular Ping Pong brand will take centre stage throughout the season, with activations, giveaways and greater engagement as the competition moves across communities.

CVM-TV Sports reporter Kimani O'Sullivan interviews Shantavia Samuels, Brand Manager

“We’ve taken part to give more in our second year by going in with a brand that is loved by the kids of School Boy Football. Football is the #1 sport, and Ping Pong is the #1 brand, so the alignment comes together as one. As School Boy Football goes into the communities, we will be there with them, bringing more interaction and giveaways, because it’s a nice marriage. It goes together,” said Raymon Brahim, Country Sales Manager for Confectionery & Snacks (CSJ), distributors of Charles Chocolates.

Keith Wellington, President of ISSA, shared his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, stating, “We value this partnership with Charles Chocolates. They did very well last year in engaging the young people in the competition and the communities that we went into. The fact that they felt confident enough to come back a second year, we are really pleased with the support,” Wellington said.

“The support of a company like Charles Chocolates says to me that corporate Jamaica has a lot of respect for us, and when you look at what we do in terms of our involvement with young people, it also says that Ping Pong is a socially conscious brand. They’re interested in young people, and we are always happy to partner with companies like that,” he disclosed.

“Football is the #1 sport, and Ping Pong is the #1 brand, so the alignment comes together as one. As School Boy Football goes into the communities, we will be there with them, bringing more interaction and giveaways, because it’s a nice marriage. It goes together.”

Shantavia Samuels, Brand Manager of Charles Chocolates, reflected on the brand’s involvement over the past season. “Our experience was incredible last year. We not only supported the schools, but we also engaged with communities and the energy was unmatched. This year, we are looking forward to being innovative and finding new ways to engage with the communities,” said Samuels.