Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:
The Trelawny Football Association National Rums of Jamaica Major League football competition, which will be contested by nine teams, is being sponsored to the tune of a record $1.5 million, thanks to generous $700,000 increase over last year's $800, 000.
Commenting on the increased sponsorship during the launch of the competition at the Trelawny Fire Brigade's hospitality room, in Falmouth, TFA president, Linnel McLean, said it comes at a most critical time as it will help the FA to take the burden of paying referee fees away from the teams.
"We can't say enough thanks to National Rums because they have always been here for us," said McLean, in reference to the company's 25 years of unbroken sponsorship of the parish's premier competition. " As in all previous years, we will continue to seek to give sponsors value for their money."
Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell, who was the guest speaker at the launch, also lauded National Rums for their many years of service to Trelawny's football and urged the teams to reward the sponsor with good sportsmanship, discipline and football.
"At a time when getting sponsor-ship is not always the easiest thing, National Rums has always been here for you so the onus is on you that you continue to make them happy," said Captain Burrell.
The JFF president also expressed some amount of disappointment with the state of football in western Jamaica.
Good sportsmanship
Alvin Foster, who handed over the $1,585,000 sponsorship cheque on behalf of his company, said he was quite pleased with the development that has taken place in the parish over the past two decades and said his company remains committed to support Trelawny's football.
"All I am asking that you do not do anything to bring the company's name into disrepute so to that end, I am asking for good sportsman ship and discipline," said Foster. "I am also hoping that at the end of the competition, the best team will emerge as the champions."
The breakdown of prizes for the competition, which kicked off on Sunday afternoon with four games, are champions - National Rums Trophy and $150,000, second place $75,000, third $50,000, fourth $30,000, mid-season champion $30,000, mid-season runner-up $10,000, Most Valuable Player $10,000, leading goalscorer $10,000, fair play award, $15,000, and Youth Player of the Year, $5,000.
The nine competing teams are Harmony FC, Upsetters FC, Preston, Brits United, Spicy Hill FC, Flames FC, Clarke's Town FC, Dromilly United and Exodus FC. Last year's champion Holland FC earned qualification to the Captain's Bakery Western Super League and are not eligible for this year's competition.
This weekend's round of matche ares: Saturday - Brits vs Spicey Hill at Wakefield and Dromily vs Upsetters at Bunkers Hills; Sunday - Flames vs Preston at Sea Road and Exodus vs Harmony at Bunkers Hill. All games start at 3:00 p.m.
