Father welcomes idea of Dominic James foundation

David James, the father of late St George's College Manning Cup footballer and captain, Dominic James, says he is open to the idea of starting a foundation or scholarship fund in his son's name. But although he has heard talks on the outside of putting together a charitable organisation to honour his son's memory, James says he is yet to be approached by anyone.

However, he revealed that he and his wife, Denise, had long-standing plans to launch an organisation like that prior to his passing, and his untimely death has only urged them to get such an organisation in his name established and off the ground.

"We were looking ahead to when Dominic would have gone on to university. Denise and I thought about it and what we could do for young boys, who were just less fortunate. Having worked with him in situations (with less fortunate teammates) and him having represented so many clubs, we saw the need to assist with some of these young boys.

"Sometimes you had boys coming to training not well prepared in their bellies, going home and not knowing what they will have, so we felt that if we could do something to help them, then it would be good, and this is a chance to do just that."

HASN'T BEEN CONTACTED

The senior James told The Gleaner that he has heard the matter mentioned unofficially in some quarters, but he has not been contacted about getting such a project off the ground, but it is something that he would greatly welcome from any interested party.

"We have thought about it, and we hear talks about something being set up in his name, so anyone contemplating the idea, we hope that we can work together with them to get something set up in his name," the grieving father commented.

However, he would love get the project up and running before the year ends, when the schoolboy football competition is still in progress, as he thinks it's significance will be greater served and its impact will be more far-reaching and more effective.

Dominic James passed away on September 20 after he collapsed on field during a Manning Cup match between St George's College and Excelsior at Stadium East, leaving the entire local football fraternity in mourning.

However, with all the outpouring of love and affection for the prodigious midfielder, popularly called 'Delly', David James is hoping that with some assistance, he would establish something in lasting memory of the inspirational player.

Meanwhile, the funeral service for James will be held next Saturday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.