In an effort to forge relationships with professional clubs in Jamaica, I accepted an invitation to attend a Premier League Clubs Association symposium in Kingston recently.
Friday: May 13, 2011
Any early morning flight to Miami and a connection to Kingston, Jamaica is made all the easier when you fly with American Airlines. When you fly AA, you have no worries about flying on Friday the 13th.
The Jamaican Federation had representatives at the airport to meet me, and it was neat to be driven in a car marked with the Reggae Boyz logos. Checking in to the Wyndham Hotel in the business district in Kingston couldn’t have been easier. A brief meeting at the hotel’s outdoor restaurant in the evening was a pleasant way to end a long day of travel.
Saturday: May 14, 2011
After an early morning breakfast it was off to the league headquarters to begin a day-long series of meetings, while also getting to know local team coaches and administrators. The meeting was chaired by the Dr. The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Chairman, PLCA & PFAJ. Google Edward Seaga. Like me, anyone would be impressed with this man’s accomplishments both in soccer and the political arena.
Topics covered throughout the day included Youth Development, the PLCA, National Teams and International Marketing & Branding Opportunities for the Jamaican Player. I was impressed how attentive the attendees were to all the presentations. Lunch was provided on site and it gave everyone a chance to get to know each other better. Obviously a strong topic of discussion was the number of Jamaican players currently playing in MLS. It was at that time that the youth coaches shared with me their plans for a National Youth Academy site, demonstrating thoughtful foresight for youth development in Jamaica.
After the meetings concluded at 4:30 pm, I rushed off to catch a game between the U-17 & U-20 Jamaican squads. The Jamaican U-17 squad will compete in the U-17 World Cup in Mexico this summer. It was a good chance to say hello to the coaches of both squads and observe their teams in action. Seeing the facility on which they had to play this game, we should never again complain about our fields at Pizza Hut Park. Let's just say that the weird bounces off the field surface would cause any player nightmares. To their credit, both teams put on a commendable show.
Later that night the symposium group clinicians were guests of Dr. The Most Hon. Edward Seaga and his wife Carla at the Devon House in Kingston. It was another opportunity to informally socialize over a wonderful Jamaican meal in a truly beautiful historical setting.
Sunday: May 15, 2011
Another early breakfast and we were off to observe some coaching clinics for Jamaican coaches at the Waterhouse Football Club. The hospitality as always was outstanding and the attention paid by the attendees was impressive.
Topics covered included Patterns of Play, Transition, Crossing and Shooting. The question and answer session afterwards lasted over an hour. Once more, it was evident that Jamaican players have to become very adept at controlling the ball on very uneven surfaces. Facilities are a challenge in Jamaica. As was the case the day before, the media coverage of these events was extremely thorough.
Immediately after the Q & A session, the entire group headed off to Arnett Football Club to watch a promotional playoff game between Cavalier SC and Seba United FC. This was a lively contest that went end to end throughout the 90 minutes. Cavalier scored before most spectators had a chance to take their seats, and held a slender lead until Seba equalized in added time to salvage a point from the fixture.
In Jamaican Football the top four Division II teams play a round robin format to determine the two sides to be promoted to the Premier League next season. Tivolii Gardens FC was the Premier League and National Cup Champions.
The day concluded with another Jamaican style meal at a local restaurant.
Monday: May 16, 2011
Following a de-briefing session among the symposium speakers, I had the opportunity to meet with a few agents and a couple of players. It was interesting to get their perspective on the league, National Teams and potential foreign markets for Jamaican players. Before I knew it, it was time to depart this beautiful island and their warm, friendly people.
A final ride to the airport in the Reggae Boyz car and it was American Airlines back to Miami and then on to DFW.
Until next time, safe travels.
-Barry Gorman