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WESTERN SPORTS - Sandals to sponsor Hanover youth leagues

Published:Saturday | September 14, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Alwayne Barrett (right), who captained Reggae Youths to a second consecutive hold on the St James FA Sandals/ATL Under-20 football league title, is being presented with the winning trophy by Sandals Group public relations manager, Sheryl McGaw-Douse, after defeating Spot Valley 2-0 in the final at Jarrett Park. Looking on is David Watt, St James FA first vice-president. - Paul Clarke Photo

Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Hanover Football Association has all but sewn up a new sponsorship deal with the Sandals/ATL Group of Companies for its Under-20 and -17 leagues, which are set to start later this year.

The sponsorship values $1.26 million, representing a similar package as the one in effect for the St James Football Association, which just saw the conclusion of its Under-20 and U-17 com-petitions.

"It has been confirmed that we will be sponsoring the youth leagues in Hanover, with only the logistics that pertains to a starting date outstanding," said Mrs. Sheryl McGaw-Douse, Sandals Group public relations manager.

She said the new sponsorship will renew faith in Hanover football, which has been languishing in the doldrums of western football due to lack of support and structure.

However, Vice-president Sheri-dan Samuels believes that with the new-found love affair between his association and the mega hotel chain, the sky is the limit.

"We are very happy Sandals have returned to the parish in the form of sponsors for two of our most important leagues," said Samuels.

"The faith they've shown in us speaks volumes of their intentions to help lift the sport of football in this parish. In turn, we will bring the best-run youth leagues to the fore, where talented and disciplined young men will parade their skills," he added.

Continuing, Samuels said it was important that a top-rated group such as Sandals be involved in the football programme, which he insists will help to stop the talent drain in Hanover.

"This parish has produced and continues to produce top class players at all levels, but with limited exposure, we find that as soon as bigger, more organised clubs come calling we lose these players.

BREAKING THE TREND

"We want to make sure that this sponsorship breaks that trend, with emphasis on development of players and clubs," insisted Samuels.

Matches will be played on Sundays between the eight clubs registered in the Under-20 league, across two zones.

The top two will move on to the quarter-finals, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals. The Under-17 League will also feature eight teams across two zones, with matches on Sundays.

"It is important that the standard of football in Hanover be lifted. And there is no better way to do so than with Sandals as our title sponsors," reiterated Samuels.