Williams says PFJL is moving to change local football
Published:Saturday | October 14, 2023 | 12:09 AM
Chairman of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Christopher Williams was an extremely happy man at the launch of the 2023-24 Wray Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) on Tuesday.
Williams admitted that it has been a very trying three years managing the nation’s top-flight football competition, but said they are now seeing the fruits of their labour.
He insists there is no letting up now as they intend to implement things that will continue to grow the league which will in turn improve the level of the game in the country.
“We have been on it for three seasons and one and a half was in COVID-19. But we are very strategic and we have a great board. We are focused on putting in the infrastructure, facilities and coaching and everything in place for the players to want to dominate at home.
“We do that and the stadiums are going to be full every week. We are being broadcast all over the world and clubs are lining up to buy our players, when that happens some good football will be played and the level will be increased,” he said.
“So we are on the right path. Wray & Nephew bought into the dream. We signed a three-year contract and it is a game changer. And more is to come because they have a couple more announcements to make but we didn’t want to say everything one time but we are going to change football.”
He revealed that his vision is for the JPL having a similar atmosphere and excitement like the Indian Premier League T20 competition, with the hope that it will attract fans from far and wide to matches, and he believes they are getting closer to that dream.
“I want the Jamaica Premier League to be like the Indian Premier League, packed stadiums, music thumping, flags all around, the vibe. We want people travelling from New York to watch a JPL game and we will get there.
“You can feel the energy, the commitment from the sponsors, clubs are stepping up and putting in capital. We are putting in the infrastructure. Mount Pleasant will be commissioning lights shortly. So we will have Lime Hall and Mount Pleasant playing under lights (at Drax Hall).
“Montego Bay United, Waterhouse, Arnett, and Harbour View already play under lights. Treasure Beach will also be playing under lights and when we shift day games to night and they are broadcast on TV, it gives a better vibe,” he said.
He noted that the turnout for regular season matches continues to be inconsistent, with some matches full to capacity, while many others are sparsely attended, and he said they continue to work on improving this aspect.
“The playoffs have seen proper crowds. So now we need to make all the JPL games an event to go on a Sunday or a Monday. We are not there as yet but we are going to get there.
“What we have to do is keep playing around with the venues. We have to get the games later. Then we have to find the right venue, where to put the doubleheaders and the prime games. That will draw the crowd.
“We have to study the market and place the game at the right venue on the right day and at the right time. So it is a work in progress,” he said.
“But it has been good. The dream is coming to reality. We have a great CEO ( Owen Hill), a focus and disciplined young man. He has been doing a great job implementing our vision and the board has been great. So the JPL is in good hands.”
The fourth season of the JPL under the PFJL’s stewardship is scheduled to kick off on October 22.