BY CARL SPENCE, STAR Writer
THE KINGSTON AND St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) will this year benefit from a 150 per cent increase to the sponsorship of their Under-17 competition after Blue Cross of Jamaica Limited pledged $500,0000 to the tournament, an increase of $300,000 from the previous year.
Professor Errol Morrison, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross, made the announcement yesterday at the company's headquarters on Hope Road.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
In his presentation, Mr. Morrison challenged the young players to strive for excellence both in playing the sport and in their attitude towards coaches and referees. He views excellence in players' attitude as the only way for the sport to develop in the country.
"This competition is important because it engages our youth in disciplined and organised activities during the summer break," he stated, "and as my grandmother always reminded me - the devil finds work for idle hands. So we are particularly happy to ensure that our youths have something to do during the summer break."
KSAFA President, Ambassador Stewart Stephenson, expressed his appreciation for the sponsorship saying:
"We at KSAFA take it as a very special privilege and honour to be able to attract and retain the sponsorship of a corporate giant like Blue Cross for a second straight year."
DISPLAYING DISCIPLINE
Meadhaven United walked away with last season's Dickie Coke Trophy, named in honour of the former outstanding national player and stephenson hopes this year's competition will display discipline and high-quality football.
"All our competitions are named in honour of great Jamaican players and there are two features of Dickie that this competition should emulate, and that is of discipline and excellent quality football as both qualities were associated with the man who had been savouring the beautiful game," he noted.
The competition is scheduled to begin on July 18 with 25 teams vying for the first-place prize of $80,000. The runners-up will receive $50,000 while the third and fourth-place teams will walk away with $40,000 and $30,000, respectively.
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