Burrell says current academy location inadequate

[Karl]

Burrell says current academy location inadequate



Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer
Jamaica Football Federation President Captain Horace Burrell (right) and General Secretary Horace Reid address a press conference recently. - Junior Dowie


Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Captain Horace Burrell reiterated his scathing views of the present location of the troubled football academy in Malvern, St. Elizabeth.

Since the academy was launched in late 2003, a distinct role and the location of the academy has changed. Now with the possibility of another relocation early next year, it is clear if Burrell had his own way the current academy would be scrapped.

"What exists now can only operate as a training facility for youngsters," bemoaned Burrell who broke ground for the academy's original site in October 2003 in Portmore with FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter.

Weeks later, he lost a closely contested election and was replaced by Crenston Boxhill who moved the location to Malvern, St. Elizabeth, and began construction.

Speaking at a post-board meeting press conference on Saturday at the JFF's office, Burrell disclosed that $34.9 million had already been spent on the site, $32.6 million of which had been disbursed by FIFA through its Gol Project, which provides funding for countries to build their national academies.

Burrell added that another $60 million would be needed complete the academy.

"Having spent all that money, it would not be possible to have the senior guys coming from England to stay there,"he said. "You cannot ask our professional players to take up residence there; it is just not adequate," he emphasised.

He did not stop there.
"I visited the place myself and all I saw were concrete buildings!"

He even claimed a board member described the facility as "one star", and he was also adamant that the Boxhill administration's view of the academy differed greatly from his.

"When we thought about putting together a national training centre, we wanted a site close as possible to the main venue for the games (the National Stadium). The vision portrayed by Boxhill is totally different. Both cannot work; this is a major issue. The game plan was changed in the middle of the course," he added.

Despite his strong criticism of the academy, Burrell said several issues would have to be assessed before a decision is taken.
"(However) we're not writing it off (Munro). That's why we have mandated a committee to look at all factors: Is there enough land and water? Do we have enough funds to complete it? These are the questions I want answered," he pointed out.

The JFF is expected to make a decision on the location of the academy on January 31 following the submission of a report by a five-man committee established to review the academy. Heading that committee is JFF second Vice President Bruce Gaynor, St. James Football Association President Orville Powell, St. Elizabeth Football Association President Courtney Browne, Chairman of the JFF sub-committee on Youth Development, Tony James and Carvel Stewart, who has the responsibility of overseeing the development of the academy.

All work on the academy is currently suspended until the JFF has taken a decision.

[Mosiah]

Now with the possibility of another relocation early next year, it is clear if Burrell had his own way the current academy would be scrapped.

"What exists now can only operate as a training facility for youngsters," bemoaned Burrell who broke ground for the academy's original site in October 2003 in Portmore with FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter.


Speaking at a post-board meeting press conference on Saturday at the JFF's office, Burrell disclosed that $34.9 million had already been spent on the site, $32.6 million of which had been disbursed by FIFA through its Gol Project, which provides funding for countries to build their national academies.

Burrell added that another $60 million would be needed complete the academy.

"Having spent all that money, it would not be possible to have the senior guys coming from England to stay there,"he said. "You cannot ask our professional players to take up residence there; it is just not adequate," he emphasised.

He did not stop there.
"I visited the place myself and all I saw were concrete buildings!"

He even claimed a board member described the facility as "one star", and he was also adamant that the Boxhill administration's view of the academy differed greatly from his.

"When we thought about putting together a national training centre, we wanted a site close as possible to the main venue for the games (the National Stadium). The vision portrayed by Boxhill is totally different. Both cannot work; this is a major issue. The game plan was changed in the middle of the course," he added.

Despite his strong criticism of the academy, Burrell said several issues would have to be assessed before a decision is taken.
"(However) we're not writing it off (Munro). That's why we have mandated a committee to look at all factors: Is there enough land and water? Do we have enough funds to complete it? These are the questions I want answered," he pointed out.

Hmmm, I get the feeling that Burrell has sent a strongly worded letter to the five-man c'tee that is reviewing the academy.

The JFF is expected to make a decision on the location of the academy on January 31 following the submission of a report by a five-man committee established to review the academy.

All work on the academy is currently suspended until the JFF has taken a decision.

Why waste our time, Captain? I would love to see this c'tee, with the likes of a Courtney Browne, go against your wishes. Just move the damn thing and get on with it.