Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Portmore’s ‘Joga Bonito’ artificial turf to launch today

Published:Saturday | February 23, 2019 | 12:11 AM

The first artificial turf football field in Portmore, St Catherine, Joga Bonito, is set to have its soft launch opening today in the form of a friendly six-a-side football competition. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with registration closing off at 5 p.m. Entry is free and open to the public. The first 12 teams to register will enter the competition.

The facility’s name, ‘Joga Bonito’, is a Portuguese term meaning ‘The Beautiful Game’ or ‘Beautifully Played’. The term, which is popular among football fans, is often credited to the legendary Brazilian footballer, Pele.

The field is located inside the complex where the popular Chewsday Restaurant is on Braeton Parkway, along the strip, metres away from the New Sovereign Mall.

Following the soft launch today, Joga Bonito will start taking bookings to use the field – individuals, groups and institutions can utilise the field whether for training, friendly or competitive football. The official opening date of the facility will be announced subsequently.

A 110 by 60 square-foot field, the facility can accommodate a seven-a-side football game. The field also has the necessary lighting for night-time utilisation.

The owners of the field said they are very enthused and optimistic about the venture, noting that the opening of the football field in Portmore will provide persons with the option to utilise a quality field that is more conveniently located instead of travelling to Kingston to enjoy a game of football.

Currently, there are three artificial turf football fields in Kingston.

When the facility officially opens, persons will be able to access the field seven days a week. Opening hours will vary.

For more information on Joga Bonito, email jogabonitojamaica@gmail.com or visit the Instagram page @jogabonitoja.