THE ST. Elizabeth Football Association (STEFA) has received a 20 per cent increase in sponsorship from Wray & Nephew for the parish's Major League.
Communication and Promotions manager at Wray & Nephew Andrew Price revealed his company's $1.2 million sponsorship earlier this week, which made STEFA president Courtney Brown a happy man.
"I am delighted for the level of sponsorship received from Wray & Nephew," Brown said.
Brown hinted at a reason behind Wray & Nephew's increase in sponsorship and the company's 27th year involvement in the parish.
"Wray & Nephew must be satisfied with the FA's administration and the level of professionalism put out in organising the Major League," he stated in a release.
Brown said the increase in sponsorship would be used to assist the clubs in offsetting a portion of their referees' fees. The club will now be asked to contribute $1,000 instead of $1,500 per match for referees' fees.
GREAT ACHIEVEMENT
According to the release, this is a great achievement for Brown as when he took office in 2003, clubs usually contributed $1,800 towards referees' fees. The Major League will kick off on Sunday, December 4 with a doubleheader at Lacovia Community Centre. Relegated South Central Confed Super League team Holland Police Youth Club face Thornton at 1:30 p.m. while Tafari Lions take on Black River United at 3:30 p.m. A dress parade will start at 1:00 p.m.
Twelve teams, Holland, Thornton, Black River United, newcomers Rasta Camp and Balaclava United, last year's beaten finalists Tafari Lions, Foster Youths, Epping Forest, New River United, Super Action, Vineyard and Middle Quarters, will take part in this season's competition.
The teams will be divided into two zones of six and play home and away with a third round to be played as cross zone. There will also be a mid-season final, which will carry a cash prize.
The league winners will get $170,000; runners-up $80,000; third $40,000; fourth $20,000 and fifth $10,000.
