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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 22 2004 : 06:06:47 AM
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Observer Reporter
Thursday, April 22, 2004
THE Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is to decide in a few weeks' time whether or not to abandon the unsponsored National Under-21 League, shorten it or allow it to continue in its present format.
The competition, which began in 2000 as a developmental league for National Premier League (NPL) clubs, has come under heavy criticism in recent times from some clubs who say interest in it has waned. The clubs further say it has become a financial burden on them.
According to acting JFF general secretary, Burchell Gibson, a review of the competition is expected in a matter of weeks.
"The general opinion is that the competition has met most of its objectives. However, there are one or two clubs who have complained and a review is planned in another six to seven weeks," said Gibson.
"The majority of the clubs have expressed concerns regarding expenses and the duration of the competition, and this will be looked at," he added.
According to Gibson, there are concerns from most of the clubs regarding the preparation, travel expenses, starting time of the matches and the standard of play in the competition.
Most of the 12 clubs agree that the league has put a financial strain on them, but not all of them wanted to abandon the competition.
"Some of the clubs have hinted that it's a good competition; players have graduated from the Under-21 level to the Senior level and they are quite pleased with the progress."
Unlike the Wray & Nephew Premier League, the youth league is unsponsored, with the only revenue coming from the JFF's coffers to the end-of season finalists and the end-of-round winners. Arnett Gardens, for example, earned $70,000 for winning the second mid-season final.
"The Under-21 league is good for the clubs' development, but a big turn-off is the time of the games," said Fitzroy Cooper of Reno FC.
It's quite difficult to procure a sponsor for the Under-21 league as it is generally viewed and presented as nothing more than a developmental league ... the football consumer is hardly encouraged to come out in the mid-day sun to see games despite the rich talent on display.
The matches are played on Sundays only as curtain-raisers for NPL games. However, because of scheduling problems, there is difficulty running a balanced competition.
The competion is presently in its final stages, with one round of matches left before the final. |
Karl |
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JFF to decide fate of U-21 league
