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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 24 2005 : 12:03:15 AM
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JFF targets September for first phase of National Academy
Ian Burnett, Observer staff reporter
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
BOXHILL...The FIFA GOAL Project is an important aspect of our Youth Development Programme
A major thrust towards the furtherance of youth development, which includes starting the first phase of construction on the National Football Academy and Training Centre by September, were some of the main areas of focus, as Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Crenston Boxhill gave an update at the federation's first quarterly luncheon at Terra Nova Hotel yesterday.
"The FIFA GOAL Project is an important aspect of our Youth Development Programme," Boxhill said, adding: "Contrary to some reports which circulated earlier this month, it is perfectly safe."
And confirming that the project will be at Munro College in St Elizabeth, Boxhill said a "special committee that will manage all the aspects involved is already in place and is working feverishly... to speedily and professionally expedite the processes that can help us begin the first phase of construction by September this year. That committee is headed by our own Carvel Stewart, and includes the requisite legal, Government, administrative, and construction industry expertise".
And Boxhill confirmed that there "have been crucial modifications to the original plan that was proposed for its construction in Portmore, by the previous administration, and that the FIFA development officer in charge of the region, Harold Taylor, is expected to visit the island next month.
Guest speaker, the former national youth player, coach, administrator, and Country Officer Citigroup, Peter Moses, while lauding the JFF for its vision and direction, advised the federation of the importance of having an administrative structure.
Moses proposed a professional league with the help of the business sector, and also argued for the revamping of the traditional Manning and daCosta Cup competitions.
Meanwhile, Boxhill said the JFF has got past the recriminations of the failure of the Reggae Boyz to reach the final round of the 2006 World Cup qualification, and the recovery has already begun. He said the critical areas of focus in the coming months are as follows:
"The continued reshaping of the national senior team to reflect a clear process of transition for youth teams and local players.
"To use our recent Caribbean success as a launching pad to rebuild the marketability of teams.
"Initiate profit-making ventures (not necessarily involving football) that can help us fund our administrative expenses.
"To deliver on our promise to revamp both the structures, competitions and support programmes that presently exist at both the parish and Confederation levels as the youth arm of the sport.
"To begin the first phase of the construction of the proposed FIFA GOAL Project on lands identified at Munro in Malvern by the end of September.
"Beef up the marketing and PR support for all our programmes and engagements."
The Boxhill-led administration, which benefited from a policy decision to select a youthful squad that won the Digicel Cup, said recent events "has reinforced our belief that youth is the way to go. As a policy of selection we want all our squads to have... shelf life".
And the JFF boss advised the large gathering that it will require about $12 million for the senior team to attend the CONCACAF Gold Cup, set for the US in July, but his federation is planning "two or three profit-making ventures" to help accrue as much of that amount as possible.
He said that the Reggae Boyz could again participate in the Unity Cup in England in May.
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Karl |
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JFF's lists way forward!
