Bigger, better community league

Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

LUCEA, Hanover:

The INSPORTS/Claro All-Island Community Football Competition got under way at the Watson Taylor Park in Lucea, Hanover, on Sunday with the official opening ceremony and opening game featuring the defending champions Claremont FC and Elgin Town.

Claremont blanked Elgin Town 3-0 through goals from Rohan Wallace, Paulton Green and Vassan Williams.

Events and promotions manager at Claro, Andrew Balbour, in his address during the opening ceremony, said the telecommunications giant was pleased to be associated with the competition which, he said, was arguably the largest league in the world, featuring more than 12,000 footballers.

Opportunity to grow

"We have seen many footballers emerge out of Jamaica. But we believe that every Jamaican with that skill deserves an opportunity. And so, Claro is committed to giving the youths that opportunity and with the right attitude along with the opportunity, you could grow to achieve football stardom," he said.

"Each and every player that sits here this afternoon has that potential, and we truly believe in all of these players," he added.

"You have a fantastic opportunity before you. Please, I urge you to grasp it and use it to your advantage. Claro believes in Jamaica and especially in the Jamaican youth, and in partnership in sports, especially with this league which is 12,000-players strong, and we believe it to be the largest league in the world. I wish all the teams in this competition the best of luck, and have a great season."

Build the community spirit

Lorna Bell, a member of the board at the Institute of Sports, also urged the players to use the competition to establish camaraderie with their opponents as well as build the community spirit.

"Gentlemen, use this competition to stand up for human dignity. There is no laughter like the laughter of those who are happy with others. There is no purpose more noble than to build communities of acceptance for all. Use this competition to build your community. Footballers are the builders of communities. This is your moment. This is your show. Good luck and have fun," she said.

Claro is sponsoring the competition to the tune of $51 million over three years. More than 12,000 young men from communities across the island are participating in the competition, which is being staged for the second time