JFF President Burrell wants better facilities

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

POINTING TO Trinidad and Tobago's success in landing the September 5-25 FIFA Under-17 women's World Cup Finals, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Captain Horace Burrell, has criticised the way in which the state-run Sports Development Foundation (SDF) has gone about improving the country's sporting infrastructure.

He also provided some advice for the SDF leadership, suggesting that four 10,000-seater, multi-purpose facilities be built across the country as part of a specific focus on the part of the SDF.

"We have one major concern at the Jamaica Football Federation and it concerns facilities," said Burrell. "I have been saying in recent times - and I have been saying it loudly - that the current way that the SDF is going about its business, in terms of improving infrastructuaral facilities across the island, is incorrect."

Strategic building

Burrell suggested that the agency concentrates on building these facilities - each located in strategic areas - rather than try to do a lot of minor projects at a number of grounds across the island.

"I think it's wrong and I have a recommendation, and that is, we should identify at least four venues across the country. For instance, I would look east and I would develop Carder Park in Portland; a multipurpose facility that would not only accommodate football but other sports with clubhouses and so on, similar to what is present in Trinidad and Tobago, where 10,000 people can be seated.

"On the north coast, I would go to Drax Hall and establish a similar facility. In Westmoreland, possibly at Frome, and go south somewhere in the Clarendon area and establish another facility," he continued.

The former army man contends that if such a structure were in place, Jamaica would achieve more success in attempts to secure international events.

"That would allow us in Jamaica to apply to FIFA and other external bodies for world-class events. Trinidad and Tobago will be hosting a second World Cup in another two weeks from now and the entire world will be heading there and that is because they have four venues similar to the ones I just outlined," said Burrell.

No benefits

"Going around and trying to do 20 facilities benefits no one," Burrell opined in a clear jab at the SDF. "It will not work and, therefore, if we concentrate on establishing one of these proper venues every three years, for example, I'm sure that this country, in the long run, will benefit a lot more. I hope that my suggestion has not fallen on deaf ears."

SDF chairman, David Mais, pointed out that while Burrell's suggestion was welcome, the onus was on the respective clubs and administrators to request help from the organisation. He was also quick to defend the work of the organisation as it relates to infrastructure development.

"The SDF is very proud of its record and all the work we have done also for football clubs locally. These are things that we look at, analyse, assess and make a contribution where it is possible," Mais pointed out.

"Everybody is entitled to suggestions, but maybe the captain does not have the benefit of our information. For instance, the development of the football facilities at Humble Lion in Effortville was as a result of their request. We did not just pick something out of the air," Mais added.