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The multimillion–dollar, multi-year sponsorship of the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) Under-21 league is a massive leap in the right direction.
The league, which was started during the first Burrell administration, has struggled from the start as only a handful of clubs had the interest, ability or funding to fully participate in the competition.
The lack of sponsorship for the most part relegated the league, as it did the now defunct National A-League, to a poor sideshow however, and a number of the clubs only gave token participation, as they had no choice.
The infusion of cash from Wisynco will no doubt infuse more interest in the competition.
It is no secret that the standard of local football is woefully lacking. This is reflected in the number of local-based players who are expected to take any part in the build-up to the World Cup qualifying matches. Realistically, less than a handful of local players have any hope of even making the squad during the WC qualifying.
This is why the Under-21 league is so important and must be given all the support it needs if we are to bridge the gap between the schoolboy leagues and the senior club competition.
Not every player who has success at the schoolboy level will be able to make that transition to the Premier League in one or two seasons and until the coaching and administrative competence in the Confederation clubs are improved, the Under 21 league must be the target for the schoolboy players and those in that age group.
It is unrealistic for us to expect a 17-year-old with potential to compete for a place on any Premier League squad, but they should have a fair shot to make it to the Under-21 league.
For the Under-21 league to play its part in the development of the Jamaica's football, the JFF must step in and insist that only accredited coaches be allowed to take part.
It would be a waste of money and time to allow incompetent coaches with no ability to mold talent, to supervise the next generation of Reggae Boyz.
Here’s a suggestion:
- Maybe this league could be more than just an Under-21 league.
- It could be expanded into a 'reserve league' like the ones in developed countries, but with a twist; at least seven Under-21 players would have to be on the field at any one time.
- Clubs could be allowed to use older players who are coming off injuries to play their way back to fitness, to prove their worth or even to help with the development of the younger players.
Like I said, it’s just a suggestion.
The league, which was started during the first Burrell administration, has struggled from the start as only a handful of clubs had the interest, ability or funding to fully participate in the competition.
The lack of sponsorship for the most part relegated the league, as it did the now defunct National A-League, to a poor sideshow however, and a number of the clubs only gave token participation, as they had no choice.
The infusion of cash from Wisynco will no doubt infuse more interest in the competition.
It is no secret that the standard of local football is woefully lacking. This is reflected in the number of local-based players who are expected to take any part in the build-up to the World Cup qualifying matches. Realistically, less than a handful of local players have any hope of even making the squad during the WC qualifying.
This is why the Under-21 league is so important and must be given all the support it needs if we are to bridge the gap between the schoolboy leagues and the senior club competition.
Not every player who has success at the schoolboy level will be able to make that transition to the Premier League in one or two seasons and until the coaching and administrative competence in the Confederation clubs are improved, the Under 21 league must be the target for the schoolboy players and those in that age group.
It is unrealistic for us to expect a 17-year-old with potential to compete for a place on any Premier League squad, but they should have a fair shot to make it to the Under-21 league.
For the Under-21 league to play its part in the development of the Jamaica's football, the JFF must step in and insist that only accredited coaches be allowed to take part.
It would be a waste of money and time to allow incompetent coaches with no ability to mold talent, to supervise the next generation of Reggae Boyz.
Here’s a suggestion:
- Maybe this league could be more than just an Under-21 league.
- It could be expanded into a 'reserve league' like the ones in developed countries, but with a twist; at least seven Under-21 players would have to be on the field at any one time.
- Clubs could be allowed to use older players who are coming off injuries to play their way back to fitness, to prove their worth or even to help with the development of the younger players.
Like I said, it’s just a suggestion.
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