Sandals returns to western Jamaica's football

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Three years after breaking away from western Jamaica's football, Sandals Resort International is back with a bang and has announced a $1.4-million sponsorship for two new Under-17 and Under-20 competitions in the parishes of St James and Hanover.

Speaking at a press launch at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay yesterday, public relations manager for the Sandals chain, Mitch Watson, said having had dialogue with football stakeholders in both parishes a decision was taken to focus on youth football.

"Having taken some time to re-assess our involvement, we are now back to stay in a big way," said Watson. "Our focus will be on youth football because it is an area that needs to be addressed if we are to have a solid foundation for the future."

The competition will kick off officially next Sunday at Jarrett Park with a three-game extravaganza, featuring two teams from St James and four from Hanover. The matches are as follows: Seba Academy versus Cornwall Courts (St James); Sandy Bay versus Montpelier and Eastern Bamboos vs East Central Rangers.

The St James phase of the competition will feature 10 teams in the Under-20 competition and six in the Under-17. In Hanover, the Under-17 competition will feature eight teams in two zones while the Under-20 will feature four teams representing the four regions in the parish.

"We have listened to the various stakeholders and we are convinced that these competitions will meet our objectives in terms of assisting in the development of our youth," said Watson.

In welcoming the new Sandals initiative, guest speaker Lloyd B. Smith, the founding editor of the Western Mirror, said the corporate body was playing a critical role in community development and creating opportunities for our young footballers.

"When football is on a high in the west, crime gets low because our youngsters get involved in the game either as players or supporters," said Smith. "Sandals' involvement is definitely a positive development."

In his wide-ranging address, Smith spoke to the need to build and develop football in such a way that it can be of economic value through sports tourism, the establishment of professional leagues, and taking care of the welfare of the players.

"I particularly want to see the players empower themselves so that at the end of their career they can take care of themselves financially," said Smith.

Jamaica Football Federation Vice-President Bruce Gaynor, who also spoke at the function, said Sandals' decision to focus on the youths fits into the direction the federation is charting for national football.

"Our plan is to concentrate on the development of our youth because that is critical in preparing for the future," said Gaynor.