Jack WarnerAudley Boyd Assistant Sport Editor
THE CURRENT Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has booted out plans to construct a National Training Centre for the sport opposite the Portmore Mall.
This is despite the fact that it has not yet acquired land on which to build the facility.
The Federation's position came to light with International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) vice-president Austin 'Jack' Warner's promise to 'fast track' funds by February, to start developing the training centre as soon as the JFF identifies the property on which it is to be built.
"... I also told them that I shall fast track for them funds for their Goal Project," Warner told journalists after announcing grants from FIFA to facilitate repairs to a number of local football affiliates affected by Hurricane Ivan at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel yesterday.
Warner, who is also the CONCACAF and CFU President, added: "All they have to do is to identify the land and get all the papers drawn up and I assure you that by February ... they'll have the project started."
Almost exactly one year to this day, land was broken at the open lot facing Portmore Mall by FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter, Sports Minister Portia Simpson Miller and then JFF President, Captain Horace Burrell, to construct the centre under the FIFA Goal Project.
However, Crenston Boxhill, whose executive took over from Captain Burrell after winning the elections shortly after, told The Gleaner in an interview conducted later that his team has dispensed that idea.
Boxhill said: "This present administration is of the view that the location is not ideal. We feel that a training centre should be away from as much distraction as possible."
He added: "We believe that placing it in the centre of Portmore would not be ideal. It is in the middle of the hub of business activities in Portmore."
The JFF President did say they are working on securing the land and is confident they will be able to meet Warner's challenge.
"Based on President Warner's recommendation, the Federation's part will be in place for the construction to begin in February," he stated.
MAJOR BENEFICIARY
Meanwhile, St. Catherine's G.C. Foster Sports College will be the major beneficiary of FIFA's relief funds. Warner promised to secure a US$100,000 grant for the institution $75,000 in cash and $25,000 in equipment. The JFF will get US$10,000 to repair damage done to its New Kingston headquarters; and provision is also being made to support affected parish associations with money for repair work.
"It is really a very good gesture on the part of President Warner and by extension FIFA," commented Boxhill. "Hurricane Ivan did do some damage even though we didn't get the full effect of it and football suffered like many other aspects of Jamaican life. We at the Federation got some damage to roof and equipment... and some of the other parish associations lost equipment."
He added: "G.C. Foster College plays a very important role in our whole development programme, especially as it relates to the youth in accommodating the youth and female teams, and hosting seminars.
"The assistance given by FIFA is very well received. I am extremely pleased and grateful to President Warner for this assistance at this time," he added.
