Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) honours 10 for serving its sport

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Ten people who have contributed significantly to the development of football in Jamaica, were on Sunday honoured at a reception held on the occasion of the visit of the president of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), Joseph Sepp Blatter, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

"It is great, great pleasure for me to be with you," said Blatter. "I am grateful now to be with you when awards are being presented to those who have served over the years and all volunteers in this sport."

The awardees were former prime minister and current chairman of the Premier League Clubs' Association, Edward Seaga; former prime minister P.J. Patterson; former St Catherine FA president for 42 years, Lincoln 'Happy' Sutherland; former national footballer and coach, Allan 'Skill' Cole; coach of Seba United, Weston King; football administrator and coach, John Green; former president of Kingston and St Andrew Footbal Association (KSAFA) and former vice-president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), David 'Billy' Marston; former general secretary of KSAFA and the JFF, Russell Bell; former Trelawny FC president, Neville Glanville; and JFF administrator and Santos coach, Carlton Dennis.

Tool of engagement

Blatter, who was making his third visit to the country, also took the opportunity to encourage the local federation to use football as a tool of engagement for idle youngsters.

"We want to bring the young people together and take them off the streets and wherever they are and bring them into compounds where you play football or other sports," said Blatter.

"Football is more than a game; football can be apart of the social culture of any of the nations who are a member of our association," he added.

Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, Olivia Grange, viewed the night's proceedings as extremely important, while pledging her support for the JFF's 2014 World Cup qualification.

"I think tonight what we have done is significant and I intend to see that we continue to give recognition to those who have contributed over the years," said Grange.

"We are totally committed and we are going to do whatever we can to give the 'Road to Rio' support," she added.

Other eligible persons

JFF President Captain Horace Burrell pointed out that there are other persons deserving of awards who will be acknowledged in the future.

"There are many others who are quite deserving of awards ... your time will come, don't worry about it," he affirmed. "We are only awarding 10 persons tonight; in the future we will be awarding more."

Cole, who is the youngest player to represent Jamaica at the national level - age 16 - was very pleased to finally be honoured in his own country.

"I lived in Ethiopia for three years and in one season I got a lot of accolades in the country," said Cole. "I have played for Jamaica from I was 16 and just getting an award, so I must cherish and honour it.

"I feel very honoured and it is good to know people recognise what you are doing and you are honoured before you pass away," said Dennis in response to being recognised.