METROPOLITAN has entered into a three-year partnership with the South African Schools Football Association, a move that will benefit pupils around the country.

METROPOLITAN has entered into a three-year partnership with the South African Schools Football Association, a move that will benefit pupils around the country.

The partnership, predicted by Sowetan last week, came into being yesterday after the financial service giants group terminated their contract with the South African Football Association. They were the sponsors of the national Under-19 league and Local Football Association.

All registered high schools' pupils will take part in the new Under-16 Cup which is part of the partnership.

Speaking at the launch in Soweto yesterday the company group chief executive Nkosinathi Chonco said they were delighted to have partnered with Sasfa.

"We hope our partnership with Sasfa will form a cornerstone for development of football at schools. We want to assist Sasfa to attain our shared goal and commitment to football development among South Africa's youths. We hope to see a number of youngsters from this league playing for junior national teams on their way to senior level in the future," said Chonco.

Sasfa president Mandla "Shoes" Mazibuko thanked the sponsors for giving the youth an opportunity to use their talents.

Both parties declined to divulge the amount involved in the deal.

The playoffs of the competition will be held at the end of September.

The national champions will represent the country at the International Soccer Federation's School World Championships in Brazil in 2011.