Laurie Foster | My team of the year - the Reggae Girlz

As the month of December draws to its inevitable close in a matter of days, Foster's Fairplay reflects on the top sporting moment that was recorded during the year. Opinions will differ according to the interest of the individual who is called on to analyse and make the assessment. That is the essence of democracy, and the varied choices should be respected.

On a popular radio call-in show a few days ago, a poll was taken on what was deemed to be the team of the year. Call it what you will, but to guide his deliberations, this columnist sought an answer in the result of that exercise. The majority of those who elected to participate were in consonance with the view of Foster's Fairplay.

The Jamaica female football team crossed the line in fine style to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup final round to be staged in France next year. This columnist saw that as a momentous occasion worthy of any award for the title under consideration. Highly deserved commendation is coming from all corners. The dialogue continues as thoughts turn to where does the team goes from here. The challenges encountered to this point have been highlighted. Chief among them is the cry that the girls were not given the support they required at the start of their journey to the big dance. It seems now that a lot of that has changed for the better with the entry of Cedella Marley and her partners, the Alacran Foundation. That, along with an input from the Government, took the Reggae Girlz to their present position. All that is fine but is still not enough.

PROPER PREPARATION

As the arrows point to France, the first issue that surfaces is the need for proper preparation to face the world of women's football. Camps are being arranged, and the voice of Sports Minister Olivia Grange towers above all others. More funds are being promised. The minister seems unsatisfied with a mere qualification spot. She is clear in her speech that the team should be given every opportunity to add further glory to itself and the country. She even has her sights on the ultimate prize.

Another encouraging factor is the confident attitude of the head coach, Hue Menzies. For him, there is no settling for the current position. In looking at the first-round draw, which sees Jamaica up against Brazil, Italy and Australia, he made a comment that resonated well with Foster's Fairplay. It was that, for the pre-tournament friendlies, Chile, Spain or Scotland and New Zealand were being targeted. This is with a view to get opponents who mimic the style of the countries Jamaica will face in the opening encounters - Chile to give insight into what should be expected from their South American campaigners; Brazil, Spain or Scotland to provide the European flavour; and New Zealand to do the same for the Oceania encounter with Australia.

Here, we have a coach who is in deep thought and expression as to the route to further advance and, by extension, further bring glory for the Jamaican team, which should be seeking to prove that their qualification was no fluke.

We wish them well.

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