Carl Spence, Gleaner Writer
THE BLUE Cross of Jamaica Limited pledged its support to the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Under-17 League yesterday with the announcement of a $500,000 sponsorship of this year's competition.
The presentation was made at a press conference held at the Blue Cross Office on Hope Road.
The sponsorship represents an increase of 150 per cent from the $200,000 invested by the company for the 2005 season.
Meadhaven United walked away with last season's Dickie Coke Trophy, named in honour of the former outstanding national player.
Professor Errol Morrison, president and CEO of Blue Cross, in his presentation 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' attitudes as the only way for the sport to develop in the country.
IMPORTANT
"This competition is important because it engages our youth in disciplined and organised activities during the summer break, and as my grandmother always reminded me; the devil finds work for idle hands," Morrison said.
"So we are particularly happy to ensure that our youths have something to do during the summer break," he said.
KSAFA president Stewart Stephenson expressed his appreciation to Morrison and the Blue Cross 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."
He also noted that he expects this year's competition to be one of discipline and good 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."
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 placed teams will walk away with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
