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Published: Saturday | October 8, 2011
Linnel McLean
Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau: After several years of fine-tuning, long-serving president of the Trelawny Football Association (TFA), Linnel McLean, is now a happy man as he is convinced that the parish's football, which he sees as both vibrant and viable, is finally on a sustainable path.
"Our football is now in a healthy state in terms of its structure, and while we are still in need of additional sponsorship, we are happy," said McLean, while addressing last weekend's TFA/National Rums of Jamaica end-of-season presentation and awards ceremony in Falmouth.
"I am especially pleased with the state of our youth programme, which is turning out some very good players," continued McLean. "... Our administrators are also benefiting greatly from the administrative courses being put on by the Jamaica Football Federation."
In terms of competitions, the TFA has a very active programme which spans the National Rums of Jamaica Major League, the National Rums of Jamaica Division One, the TFA Under-17, the TFA Business House, the TFA Knockout Competition, and the TFA President's Cup.
"The male side of our programme is quite OK, so come next season, we will be looking at creating a women's league for the parish," McLean said. "We are also looking at starting a beach-football competition and an indoor tournament at a venue in the Clark's Town community."
With the parish's 25-year association with main sponsor National Rums of Jamaica set to get even stronger in light of a declaration by company executive, Earl Patrick, who stated that the rum company will be seeking to expand its involvement with local football, the TFA future looks even more secured.
"We are looking forward to playing an even greater role in the near future, as our commitment to Trelawny's football remains solid," said Palmer. "In another six months or so, you can look forward to a major announcement from National Rums of Jamaica."
However, while not seeking to burst the bubble of the TFA, guest speaker at the awards ceremony, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce president Richard Burke, said that because of the limited scope for sponsorship in the parish, the TFA takes a businesslike approach to its administration of the sport.
challenging place
"Trelawny is a challenging place for football because there is not a lot of big business to offer good sponsorship support," said Burke. "However, the parish is poised for a big business boom, and with the coming of the University of Technology, the opportunity for learning and sports will be greatly enhanced."
In the colourful presentation ceremony, the successful teams and outstanding individuals were rewarded with trophies and medals, while several long-serving board members, veteran referees and members of the sports media were given special awards.
The major awards were: National Rums of Jamaica Major League champions - Invaders FC ($150,000, individual gold medals and championship trophy; MVP Omar Williams (Invaders FC); Division One champions - Prospect Links ($20,000), MVP - Jeff Bennett (Prospect Links); Under-17 champions Holland FC, MVP - Odean Clarke; Business House champions - Falmouth Fire, MVP - Valdemir Gordon; Knockout champions - Holland FC, and President Cup champions - Harmony FC.
Published: Saturday | October 8, 2011
Linnel McLean
Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau: After several years of fine-tuning, long-serving president of the Trelawny Football Association (TFA), Linnel McLean, is now a happy man as he is convinced that the parish's football, which he sees as both vibrant and viable, is finally on a sustainable path.
"Our football is now in a healthy state in terms of its structure, and while we are still in need of additional sponsorship, we are happy," said McLean, while addressing last weekend's TFA/National Rums of Jamaica end-of-season presentation and awards ceremony in Falmouth.
"I am especially pleased with the state of our youth programme, which is turning out some very good players," continued McLean. "... Our administrators are also benefiting greatly from the administrative courses being put on by the Jamaica Football Federation."
In terms of competitions, the TFA has a very active programme which spans the National Rums of Jamaica Major League, the National Rums of Jamaica Division One, the TFA Under-17, the TFA Business House, the TFA Knockout Competition, and the TFA President's Cup.
"The male side of our programme is quite OK, so come next season, we will be looking at creating a women's league for the parish," McLean said. "We are also looking at starting a beach-football competition and an indoor tournament at a venue in the Clark's Town community."
With the parish's 25-year association with main sponsor National Rums of Jamaica set to get even stronger in light of a declaration by company executive, Earl Patrick, who stated that the rum company will be seeking to expand its involvement with local football, the TFA future looks even more secured.
"We are looking forward to playing an even greater role in the near future, as our commitment to Trelawny's football remains solid," said Palmer. "In another six months or so, you can look forward to a major announcement from National Rums of Jamaica."
However, while not seeking to burst the bubble of the TFA, guest speaker at the awards ceremony, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce president Richard Burke, said that because of the limited scope for sponsorship in the parish, the TFA takes a businesslike approach to its administration of the sport.
challenging place
"Trelawny is a challenging place for football because there is not a lot of big business to offer good sponsorship support," said Burke. "However, the parish is poised for a big business boom, and with the coming of the University of Technology, the opportunity for learning and sports will be greatly enhanced."
In the colourful presentation ceremony, the successful teams and outstanding individuals were rewarded with trophies and medals, while several long-serving board members, veteran referees and members of the sports media were given special awards.
The major awards were: National Rums of Jamaica Major League champions - Invaders FC ($150,000, individual gold medals and championship trophy; MVP Omar Williams (Invaders FC); Division One champions - Prospect Links ($20,000), MVP - Jeff Bennett (Prospect Links); Under-17 champions Holland FC, MVP - Odean Clarke; Business House champions - Falmouth Fire, MVP - Valdemir Gordon; Knockout champions - Holland FC, and President Cup champions - Harmony FC.
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