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In the early to mid-nineties, the name Wembly Stadiums was synonymous with local football. Located at Bogue in the vicinity of the D & G Bottling Plant, the mini-stadium was the home to the Condor’s football team which comprised of footballers who formerly played for premier league outfit Wadadah.
When Jarrett Park closed its gates in the early 1990s, Wembly Stadium and Nature Village Farms were the two match venues that absorbed the games that were being played.
So busy were activities at the venue that National Premier League, DaCosta Cup and even international games were played at the location. One of the challenges that faced the developers was the fact that the venue was built on a swamp. Whenever it rained the under footing for spectators, players and officials was horrific with the prevailing muddy conditions. But persons braved all that to attend weekly games.
The developers did a really good job to invest in the venue, a changing room and a press box was built. The playing area was properly fenced and stands seating over a thousand persons were constructed.
Towards the latter part of the nineties, the developers seemed to abandon the development of the facility. Unconfirmed reports are that the stands and the changing rooms have been demolished. When the I visited the venue, animals could be seen grazing on the grass on which the football field once stood. A big metal gate at the entrance was also locked.
Attempts to get a comment from the owners proved futile. With the relegation of Seba United from the National Premier League, many analysts have cited poor playing field surfaces and facilities as a contributing factor. With none of the teams from western Jamaica, especially St. James, having a playing venue suited for the National Premier League, a school of thought is that this once thriving venue can be bought collectively and developed. Will Wembly’s gate remain closed? The verdict is still out.
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