‘Wednesday’s game is more than just football’

Mount Pleasant Football Academy (MPFA) will use its upcoming Caribbean Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Trinidad’s Defence Force FC on Wednesday at the National Stadium to launch a donation drive in support of Jamaicans and communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

This initiative comes as the country continues to pick up the pieces following the devastation of the Category 5 hurricane.

According to the club, beginning Tuesday, the public is invited to drop off non-perishable foods, bottled water, toiletries, battery-powered flashlights, solar lights, tarpaulins, and other essential supplies at the food court located in the grandstand at the National Stadium.

FREE ENTRY: $1,000 DONATION

Admission to the match will also be free, but the club is encouraging patrons to make a minimum cash donation of $1,000.

Donations will directly support victims as they work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storm.

Mount Pleasant FA’s relief efforts will focus particularly on:

– The Jacob’s Ladder Mustard Seed Community in St Ann, which experienced flooding;

– The Treasure Beach community and Treasure Beach FC in St Elizabeth;

– Other affected residents across St Ann, the home parish of Mount Pleasant FA.

“As a club, we believe football has the power to unite and uplift communities, especially in difficult times,” said Paul Christie, sporting director of Mount Pleasant FA.

“Wednesday’s game is more than just football, it’s about helping to restore the lives of those who were devastated by the passage of the hurricane. We are all moved by the images that emerged following the storm on Tuesday, and many of us are heartbroken to see what families are now dealing with,” Christie stated.

“We’re calling on all fans and Jamaicans to come together, give generously and help our brothers and sisters who are struggling to recover. The more we give, the more persons we can help across parishes like St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover.

“We at Mount Pleasant, under the leadership of Peter and Amanda Gould, are committed to doing what we can to assist, but we need everyone to contribute to this cause.”

REALITY

The club’s captain, Daniel Green, noted that persons associated with the team have family who were impacted by Hurricane Melissa, and this has added fuel to their cause.

“Everyone is affected by this.We have players and staff who are yet to hear from family members in places such as Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, and this is the reality of so many Jamaicans at this time,” said Green.

“I am from St Ann, and to see the devastation in my parish is heartbreaking. For us as players, it is difficult to go out on the field and play knowing what persons are going through. But, given that it’s a Concacaf game, we have to, so we are using this opportunity and this platform to help. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a big difference.

“We play not just for Mount Pleasant, but for Jamaica. Let’s stand together and show the true spirit of this island we love so much. Together, fans and players can turn this semi-final into more than just a game, it can be a symbol of hope and rebuilding”.

The club is also encouraging persons to donate to the National Hurricane Relief Fund at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/.

Mount Pleasant are also in conversation with Concacaf on having the website displayed on-screen during Wednesday’s game, to encourage persons to donate. They lead the semi-final against Defence Force FC 5-1 after Raheem Edwards scored twice at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the first leg on October 22. Summer signing Warner Brown, with his first goal for the club, Kioni Bailey and Shaquille Bradford were the other scorers.

The winner on aggregate over the two legs of the semi-final will advance to the final, and automatically secure their place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The third-place team will also advance to the Champions Cup.

CONTACT INFO:

Persons wishing to help can also contact the club through its marketing and communications manager, Renardo Brown, via email at marketing@mountpleasantfc.com or by phone at (876)454-0153.