Humble Lions spectators embrace Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, seconds after qualifying for next season's Premier League last month. - contributed

On the field of play, it is almost certain that Humble Lions face as tough a challenge as any newcomer to the National Premier League.

But for many persons familiar with the history of Effortville, the community where the club is based, a primary focus will be on how its people respond, how the area conducts itself for the duration of the season, which lasts nine months.

It could be a tough ask, in these parts; the nickname 'Farm' sticks out with much the same negative connotations of say 'Jungle', mirroring the sometimes violent stigma of another community where sports, and particularly football, has made a positive difference, Arnett Gardens.

One person who knows that better than anyone is Anthony Pringle, Humble Lions' current coach and a former player, who has been closely involved with the outfit for much of its 35-year existence.

"This is a gift from Humble Lions to the community. The plan long ago was to use football as a vehicle for social change, and this is the biggest opportunity."

fabulous history

Pringle's comments were echoed by a noted Clarendon cop who was on hand when the team qualified for the Premier League.

"I've been on many raids to that community. When I saw them qualify, I kind of smiled. This is what they really want, but can they handle it? It would be good though. Football is always good there so I am going to watch them play."

The locals seldom refer to the area as Effortville, but just mentioning the word 'Farm' immediately fills many residents with fear. The community is one of the hot- beds for crime in the central region of Clarendon. However, say Humble Lions and you are likely to find quick audience to discuss the club's fabulous history.

Lee Hines, chairman of the Clarendon FA's Disciplinary Committee and former president of the Jamaica Referees Association, can attest to that fact.

"The format was different then, but I can remember refereeing several national league play-offs with Humble Lions in the 1980s. As far back as can remember, they have been winning the Division One competition in the parish. I tell you what. It was Humble Lions players who formed Black Lions in St Catherine," Hines said.

"You had Humble Lions players integrally involved in the initial success of the first three teams from Clarendon to play in the Premier League, Hazard, Avengers and Galaxy," he added.

talented young people

A mere two miles driving north from the centre of May Pen, 'Farm' is home to thousands of Clarendon residents. Here, development is not always as scripted as other areas in central May Pen, however, like many other hot spots, it is loaded with talented young people interspersed with rogue elements, often from different areas.

Here, passion for football also intermingles and competes for the headlines with crime. Celebrations for the club's historic elevation to the Premier League had hardly died down when a television newscast revealed that the area was the scene of shooting and a murder.

It's nothing new for critics, and an occurrence that the club has always had to battle with, but they have always found a way to overcome. Earlier this year, the club's manager for years, Winston Doharty, was gunned down at his gate. After making the final of the Confed competition for the previous two years, the club had got off to a slow start. Many thought Doharty's death would have crushed the club. The local FA had postponed their scheduled games for two weeks, however, a new lease on life was attained through the involvement of Member of Parliament Mike Henry. With Henry officially taking the tag of manager, a few other stalwarts marshalled by Pringle effected one of the biggest comebacks of any team in the competition.

For Pringle, the potential for football vastly outweighs preoccupation with any negative perceptions of the community. He sees football as an important agent for change.

"In our community, we try to provide an alternative. We can't get all of them, some will always chose the wrong path. What we know for a fact though, in several areas, once football is involved, it always makes a difference."