Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Crenston Boxhill (left), along with Elaine Walker-Brown (centre), chairman of the JFF Women's Committee, accepts a cheque of $2,500,000 from the managing director of Sherwin Williams, Ian Forbes, at the JFF's office yesterday. The occasion was the launch of the Sherwin Williams Women's Premier League, 'A' League and Knockout competitions. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Ian Forbes, managing director of Sherwin Williams, has called on corporate Jamaica to get on board to assist with the development of women's football in the country.

He was speaking at yesterday's launch of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF)/Sherwin Williams women's competitions which was held at the JFF office on St. Lucia Avenue.

"I call on all the major players to answer the call to duty, a duty that is a national responsibility," said Forbes. "Give the young females a real and lasting chance to make a positive and sustainable difference in their lives. They have chosen women's football as the vehicle to achieving their life's ambitions.

"This is our sixth year as the title sponsor of the women's football competition, and we at Sherwin Williams are again pleased to be partnering with the JFF," he added.

Sponsorship boosted

The upcoming season will again be played in three different competitions: the Premier League, the 'A' League and a Knockout.

The total sponsorship for this year's competitions has been increased from $2.2 million to $2.5 million and a total of 12 teams will be taking part.

Action starts this Sunday with four games being played in the knockout tournament.

Crenston Boxhill, JFF president, said he was satisfied with the progress that women's football has been making in recent years.

"The fact is that there have been quality strides in our female programmes. both in the senior and the youth levels, over the past few years," said Boxhill.

"One of the highest manifestations of this is the qualification of the senior team for the recent Pan Am Games, because this was the first time in our history that a Jamaica women's team have ever had a team at these games."

Boxhill added: "This is the first time, but will not be our last, and I am sure it is possible to match the achievements of the Under-20 men's team at the next Games."