Harbour View putting spotlight on youth

Harbour View FC's general manager, Clyde Jureidini, says the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) outfit's recent announcement of 11 additional players to the senior team is in keeping with the club's youth advocacy.

Last Tuesday evening the club announced the addition of 10 young players between the ages of 16 and 23 to their squad. Some were promoted from the youth programmes, while the club welcomed back veteran player and former captain Lovel Palmer.

"Over the past 16 months, we have had some of our more senior players having to go overseas to seek their livelihood because of the unfortunate pandemic. It has opened up spaces for some of the younger ones. We are happy we had a strong youth base as we have been four-time champions at the under-13 level. It is some of those players that are coming through," Jureidini said.

Among the new recruits are three of the brightest young talents from western Jamaica. The players are Renaldo Wellington, formerly of Rusea's High, former Cornwall College midfielder Shavon McDonald as well as Cristojaye Daley from William Knibb Memorial High.

"We have always tried to give a chance to players from not only western Jamaica but all over. In the past decade, we have had players like Milton Griffiths, Brian 'Rambo' Brown, Deshane Beckford and Peter-Lee Vassell among others. We keep that window of opportunity open so once they have the commitment and willingness to do the work, we have faith in our system to develop and move them on to the international scene," Jureidini said.

The other players announced on Tuesday are Jermaine Thompson, Tyrese Williams, Ronaldo Robinson, Ronjay Watson, Saqlain Waul, Tarick Ximines and Kareem McLean.

Jureidini says the return of Palmer means more than just the inclusion of a quality player but the discipline and leadership that comes with 36-year-old experience.

"It's not just about him playing for another season or two but also to transition like Sean Fraser to become an international quality coach. There is such wealth of knowledge and experience that they can impart to the next generation of players along with technical director Ludlow Bernard," he added.

"He more than anybody can impart discipline and leadership to the younger cadre of players. Lovel joined us also at around 16-18 where he went with us to an international tournament in Italy. He has since then spent his career with us and became the youngest captain to win the Premier League before going on to the international scene," Jureidini said.

Harbour View will kick off their JPL campaign on Monday against defending champions Waterhouse FC.