Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

A NEW era dawned in Jamaica football administration on Monday when the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) officially opened the doors to its new administrative office, located on the first floor of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) building in New Kingston.

The PLCA, which was launched a little over a year ago, was formerly accommodated at the offices of the president of the JFF, Captain Horace Burrell.

Time to branch out

However, after a year, the PLCA's administration felt it was necessary to branch out on its own. The JFF was approached and permission was sought to utilise the unoccupied space on the first floor of the building.

After much negotiation, permission was granted for use of the space, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Chairman of the PLCA, Edward Seaga, on behalf of his organisation, thanked the JFF, Digicel and the Wisynco Group Limited for their timely contributions which helped ensure the association's viability.

"It was just about enough to get us started," Seaga said of a $7 million donation which went towards refurbishment of the space. "We hope we will continue to have the same good relationship we have had with Digicel over the many years, and we look forward to working with Digicel in whatever way we can as we move on with football," he said.

Applauding the efforts

General secretary of the JFF, Horace Reid, in applauding the PLCA for its success over the last year, said despite the fact that the road ahead would be difficult, it was one to which the clubs could look forward to with a little more ease.

"I think for the first time in many moons the clubs, under the leadership of the PLCA, were able to stay the course and achieved a tremendous amount of goodwill through its efforts," Reid said.

However, he said if the clubs hoped to find longevity then a lot more had to be done.

"It is going to require a lot of money and support from corporate Jamaica. But we are optimistic that it will be done. I think we have the right persons and a group of motivated persons that are focused towards that end," he said.

"At the end of the day, we will see the stock of football rising and strengthening and improving the welfare of the clubs," he said.