Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Jamaica Football Federation Crenston Boxhill sits in the midst of Real Madrid FC president Florentino Perez (right) and Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, as they hold discussions about the JFF and Real Madrid FC forging a relationship, mainly through youth development. - HERBERT ENNIS/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE JAMAICA Football Federation (JFF) could soon have a relationship with Real Madrid, the most popular football club in the world, following discussions between Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and JFF president Crenston Boxhill.
In a meeting at the VIP lounge of the Sangster International Airport on Saturday afternoon Perez, who enthusiastically received the suggestion of forging technical relationships between the two bodies, gave Boxhill the commitment that he would set up an appointment in Madrid with former Spain international Emilio Butrageno, a senior vice president at the club and the one in charge of such matters. That meeting will take place in Spain.
"I took the opportunity to discuss the possibility of technical cooperation between his club and our country, especially as it relates to youth development involving players and coaches.
"President Perez gave it his blessing and gave a commitment to setting up an appointment with Emilio Butrageno," Boxhill said.
Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, who was also present at the meeting and who served as interpreter, will act as liaison between Real Madrid and the JFF until the meeting materialises.
In a lively discussion Boxhill gave Perez an overview of Jamaica's football programme and told him about Real Madrid's cult status in the country.
Perez enquired about the number of Jamaican professionals playing overseas and in particular England.
They also spoke about Trinidad and Tobago's qualification for the World Cup with Boxhill explaining the role played by Dutchman Leo Beenhakker.
INTEREST SHOWN
"I am very ubpeat, very pleased," Boxhill said after the meeting. "The mere fact that he took time out of his busy schedule to meet us and the interest he showed in what we are doing and intend to do is something positive," said Boxhill who capitalised on Perez' short working holiday in the island to meet him.
Perez, who also wears the hat of chairman of ACS-Dragado, one of the largest construction companies in the world and which also has an interest in the Sangster International Airport, inspected the airport.
Boxhill intends to make the most of the contact and among the things he said he will discuss with Butrageno are the hosting of youth players and coaches in their academy as well as "the possibility of members of their technical staff coming here on a working holiday and assisting with the development of youth coaches and players".
Before concluding the meeting Perez said he was heading back to Spain to watch yesterday's La Liga game between his sixth-placed Real Madrid and Villareal which are a point and a place above them. Real Madrid's fierce rivals Barcelona sit atop the table with 43 points, 14 ahead of Real Madrid which have played a game less.
