Teams taking part in this season's Claro/KSAFA Major League and Syd Bartlett competitions are expected to receive added benefits right across the board, when the competition kicks off this weekend.

Each team taking part in this year's competition is expected to receive a total of $123,500, which will go toward branding, gear valued at approximately $54,000 and referee's fee, which will come to around $49,500 per team. This will be a figure separate and apart from the monetary benefit given to a team for winning the competition, placing second or third.

"We are looking to level the playing field for all teams taking part in our competition, so that it is not just the bigger teams that benefit," said KSAFA president, Rudolph Speid. "In fact, a lot of these teams were able to receive playing equipment earlier in the season and based on the way a few of them have handled themselves in the Jackie Bell KO, it was of some benefit."

There are some rules, which competing teams must follow, if they are to be eligible for the event.

Official branded gear of the sponsors is expected to be worn in all sponsored competitions, at least six branded perimeter boards are expected to be displayed at all home fields and Claro officials with appropriate identification are expected to be allowed entry to all home games.

Twelve Major League teams and 11 Syd Bartlett outfits are expected to take part in this year's competitions, which will exclude Gordon Town and Red Hills, who have not taken part in enough age group competitions - a mandatory requirement - to make the grade.

This year's promoted teams to the Major League will include Port Royal and Meadforest, who have close to 20-years of history in the Syd Bartlett League and Molynes United.

Based on current form the Donovan "Whiteside" Evans-coached Rae Town are expected to start favourites in the Major League.

The Syd Bartlett League will see the return of Stony Hill, following a 15-year absence. In this competition, the Neville Bell-coached UWI appears the team to beat.

The winners of this year's Major League will receive $100,000, $70,000 will go to the runner up, while third place will receive $50,000. Sixty thousand will go to the Syd Bartlett winner, $50,000 to the second place team and $40,000 for third place.

Today's Games

Rockfort vs Molynes United at Rockfort

Olympic Gardens vs Meadforest at Cling Cling Oval

Seaview Gardens vs Port Royal at Seaview

Barbican vs Brown's Town at Barbican field

Swallowfield vs Coorville Gardens at Stadium East

Central Kingston vs Rae Town at Winchester Park