The relationship between Jamaican football and corporate Jamaica has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of the Wray & Nephew Football Programme.
The beloved Jamaican brand unveiled its plans on Thursday, highlighting a substantial investment aimed at enhancing the technical aspects of football in Jamaica, with a particular focus on coaching education and supporting the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz in their World Cup pursuits.
The programme will see an investment of approximately $200 million over the next three years, marking a major commitment from Wray & Nephew to the development of Jamaican football.
Created to support our commitment to advance football in Jamaica
“The Wray & Nephew Football Programme has been created to support our commitment to advance football in Jamaica. To that effect, we have decided to increase and widen our support and investment in the beautiful game,” said Jean-Philippe Beyer, Managing Director at J. Wray & Nephew.
“Supporting football from grassroots programs to professional leagues is a privilege for us and I say this because, through this partnership, we are not only seeing the triumphs of our players and our coaches, we are also seeing the positive impacts their achievements have on their families and communities.”
In addition to being the title sponsors of both the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) and the Major League, Wray & Nephew will also serve as the official spirit of the senior Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz, aiding them in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
Beyer also revealed plans for the direct sponsorship of several stadiums. “We are still in discussions with a number of them but tonight I can announce that we are at the contract stage with Ferdi Neita Park and Waterhouse Mini Stadium,” he said. Ferdi Neita Park is the home ground of Portmore United, while Waterhouse Mini Stadium is the base for Waterhouse FC.
Absolutely delighted
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts, who has long advocated for greater corporate involvement in Jamaican football, expressed his elation at the announcement. “When we get a positive response from our daily calls from corporate Jamaica to come on board and help us use the sport of football to socially impact the well-being of boys and girls in this country, I am absolutely delighted,” he said.
Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Sport, also recognized the significance of this partnership. “This evening, we add another to the many partnerships between Jamaican companies and sporting bodies, communities and the Government over the years,” she said. “This partnership with a Jamaican-born company, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd, is a cause for celebration because, not only are we stronger together, but this partnership also highlights our shared passion for football and our vibrant sporting culture which, together, have brought so much joy to our people.”
The Wray & Nephew Football Programme aims to build on the success and passion for football in Jamaica, ensuring that both the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz have the support and resources they need to excel on the global stage. With this significant investment, the future looks bright for Jamaican football, both at the grassroots and professional levels.
