THE NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE: THE WAY FORWARD

Introduction

The Jamaica Football Federation (“JFF”)/Wray and Nephew National Premier League has come a far way:

a.          current sponsorship of the league has exceeded most persons’  expectations ;

b.         publicity of the league is at an all time high, with unprecedented television, radio and newspaper coverage; and

c.           arguably, the standard of football in the league is better than ever before (the National Premier League has produced two Caribbean Champions in recent years, Harbour View FC and Portmore United).

In light of the above, special commendation must go to the JFF and Wray and Nephew, for their commitment to the improvement of the quality of the league on a whole.

Despite the obvious improvements, it is evident that there remains a lot of work to be done to further enhance the overall quality of the league. Below are a few of my thoughts on how this improvement could be ensured.

Necessary Improvements

Youth Teams/Programme : it is recommended that the JFF mandates that all clubs participating in the National Premier League and the relevant Super League or Confederation Competitions (from which teams qualify to participate in the National Premier League) have not only an Under 21 Team, but also at least two other youth teams. While acknowledging the financial and organizational challenges involved in having four teams, if one were to observe club structures throughout the world (whether in the developing countries of South America or the developed countries of Europe) it is accepted that an established youth programme is one sure way to guarantee the sustainability of a club (the rationale being that not all clubs will have the financial resources to acquire the players they desire for the senior teams).

Coaching Certification: I understand that the JFF mandates that all coaches of National Premier League Clubs possess a Level II Coaching Certificate. I applaud this effort. However, I do not believe that this is sufficient. I believe that coaches should be forced to undergo mandatory training (much like what many professionals, for example Chartered Accountants, are forced to do). Possessing a Level II Coaching Certificate should be seen as a starting point, coaches should be mandated to improve their qualifications and with that improvement, the quality of our football will undoubtedly improve.

Compulsory Management Seminars: the success of the National Premier League depends heavily on what takes place on the field. However, many people forget that there are many individuals who work behind the scene, namely club managers and executives, without whom clubs would not be able to participate in league. Most club executives are doing fairly good jobs, in spite of obvious constraints, but that is not to say that more could not be done. I think an important facet in the improvement of football in the National Premier League is the hosting of at least one compulsory management seminar by the JFF. In much the same way that coaches should be encouraged to improve their standards, club executives are in no different a position. These seminars would highlight to coaches the essentials of running a successful club (I guarantee you that if the management of our clubs are reinforced it is unlikely that we will see the demise of clubs as was witnessed with several former top clubs from Western Jamaica in the late 1990’s).

Conclusion

I, of course, could have continued indefinitely in making suggestions for the improvement of the overall quality of the National Premier League. However, I have simply outlined a blueprint of three critical areas which would aid in the further development of the National Premier League. My focus, as you would have observed, was the creation of an environment which encourages the sustainable development of club.

In concluding, I hope that my thoughts will lead to some constructive discussion on how  best to improve the standard of the National Premier League.

VIVA  FUTBOL