Back to not-so regular programming

THE 2024-25 WRAY and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, which gets under way this weekend, will do with three rounds of preliminary games, returning to its pre-COVID structure.

According to Professional Football of Jamaica Ltd (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill, the return is just one of the changes that will ultimately result in an all-round improvement in the product.

The return to three rounds will increase the number of games each team plays from 26 to 39 regular-season matches, followed by the playoffs, and the PFJL CEO is calling on football supporters to support the league in a meaningful way.

“Today marks a new chapter in the Jamaican football landscape as we play our part in shaping the future of the sport.

“Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, supporters and fans can expect us to pick up right where we left off. A stark difference to the league this year is that we will have the highest number of games ever in the history of the tournament.

“Teams will have 39 rounds of football, and more games will equate to more exposure all around,” he commented

Last season, some 150,000 patrons passed through the turnstiles, said Hill, and they want to double that amount this season.

“We ask that you support, in a wholistic way, the development of the local product. Support will require coming out to games on Sundays and Mondays. We need to see you in the stands. If you are unable to physically be there, watch it live on SportsMax and JPL conduits.”

He said the PFJL would continue its hybrid approach to choosing venues, with centralised stadia used to host double-headers throughout the season, starting this Sunday at the Anthony Spaulding Sport Complex.

There continues to be a very high demand for the product across the region, which provides great international exposure for JPL players, he added.

“Weekly, there are 27 Caribbean countries watching live games, delayed games. We have it in the Tri-State area (United States). So football being played locally is being consumed globally. That does wonders for our players. Ask Kaheim Dixon,” said Hill.

General Secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Dennis Chung said the federation welcomed the start of the ‘24-‘25 JPL season and commended the PFJL for enhancing the local football product through the JPL.

“The JFF wants to commend the PFJL and say how much we value the partnership. We have to commend the clubs, who show the determination and growth needed.

“This cannot work without the clubs. It cannot work without the players. The clubs are also doing well in the Caribbean championship. The JPL has also been enhanced by the coaching-development programme, so we expect that we are going to see much greater success, not just for the current level of the JPL, but for future players.

“So we are delighted that this competition is being looked forward to with great enthusiasm. We look forward to a fantastic season, filled with excitement,” he said.

Managing Director of Wray and Nephew Daniel Coran expressed the organisation’s unwavering support to the JPL and appreciation of the positive impact the league has had on families and communities.

The company also launched the Wray & Nephew football programme, which involves football at the community level through the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association.

“The Wray and Nephew football programme also has a commitment to elevating the quality of football technical development in Jamaica through the Wray and Nephew School, through the football partnership with the JFF.

“Up to 500 coaches will be trained annually, spanning from E to A Concacaf licences. As we step forward into our second season with the JPL, our shared goal is to ensure that each player has the opportunity to excel and the league be recognised as a viable career path for players, coaches, and administrators.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Sunday’s Games

• Vere vs MoBay at Wembley Centre of Excellence (3 p.m.)

• Portmore vs Mt Pleasant at Ferdie Neita Park (4 p.m.)

• Tivoli vs Molynes at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (5 p.m.)

• Arnett vs Dunbeholden at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (7:30 p.m.)

Monday’s Games

• Harbour View vs Chapelton at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (5 p.m.)

• Waterhouse vs Racing at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (7:30 p.m.)