Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Crenston Boxhill (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Wray and Nephew's brand manager David Hobson during the 2006-07 Premier League press launch at the JFF's office in New Kingston yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

IT'S OFFICIALLY full steam ahead in the second season of the new format Wray and Nephew National Premier League, which kicks off this Sunday.

The island's top football competition will receive about $52 million from the title sponsors this year, it was announced at the launch at the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) headquarters in New Kingston yesterday.

When the current league format was implemented last year, a few eyebrows from coaches, managers, players and spectators were raised as many were not sure of, or did not like, the impact it was expected to have on the competition.

However, with the format now a fixed feature on the landscape of local football, president of the JFF Crenston Boxhill expects an even better season.

Culture shock

"We will be able to see the real impact of the league system. Last year it was a new system and even though as avid fans, players and administrators we know what it should have been like, it was almost a culture shock," Boxhill said. "This year there should be no culture shock and we will be watching to see if the real goal of a league system is beginning to take effect," he said.

"The goal is to raise the discipline, consistency and improve the professionalism so critical for any national programme."

A slight increase from last year's sponsorship total, about seven per cent, will see Wray and Nephew pour $22.6 million into the running of the actual league and $30 million more into marketing.

Also in its second season, beverage distributors WATA will also be on board, and has not only increased its sponsorship from $10 million to $16 million, but will now develop private WATA labels for all teams taking part in the league.

Ground staff incentive

After much protest last season, the new Wray and Nephew Knockout Cup - played at the end of the season - will now be held closer to the beginning of the season and could be scheduled for a kick-off early next year.

In addition to the Peter Cargill Memorial Award for the most disciplined team, the Tony Burrowes Player of the Year and Coach and Player of the Month awards, this year will see the introduction of a ground staff incentive worth $25,000 for the best venue.

The JFF also announced that teams taking part in this year's competition will for the first time be required to produce liability and fire insurance.

Prize money
1st	-	$2,150,000
2nd	-	$ 900,000
3rd	-	$ 575,000
4th	-	$ 480,000
5th	-	$ 240,000
6th	-	$ 190,000
7th	-	$ 165,000
8th	-	$ 140,000
9th	-	$ 85,000
10th	-	$ 85,000
11th	-	$ 65,000
12th	-	$ 65,000