Jamaicans spark MLS donation drive

RECENTLY, COLORADO Rapids football club’s Jamaican coaches, Robin Fraser and Wolde Harris, used the side’s Major League Soccer (MLS) game against Minnesota United FC to lead a donation drive for football gear for Jamaican youngsters.

The drive was organised by Football for the World Foundation (FFTW), a non-profit organisation committed to empowering and educating children on and off the field using football.

Monica Bosiljevac, founder and executive director of FFTW, said her organisation has been donating equipment to Jamaicans since 2014 and that it continues to work with various local organisations, mainly Game of Life, to provide football equipment for local children.

“We provide equipment and that provides opportunity for coaching. The aim is for kids to play so everyone can gain that experience,” she told The Gleaner.

Fans of both the Rapids and Minnesota came together to donate used or new football boots, balls, shinguards and other equipment.

Fraser, Rapids’ head coach, told coloradorapids.com that the match against Minnesota coincided with Jamaica’s Independence Day and as such, the initiative had huge significance.

“It’s a big day for the country and a big day for us and certainly seems appropriate to have this donation drive.

Lacking resources

“I’ve always wanted to find a way to help. There’s so much talent (in Jamaica), so many players that are so capable, but they’re lacking resources. And part of that is as simple as lacking equipment, soccer shoes, soccer balls, places to play, things like that. This is something I’m really passionate about and really looking forward to,” he said.

Fraser’s assistant coach, Harris, reminisced on his days as a child, playing barefooted in the streets with stuffed juice boxes.

He said the passion for the game is intense at all levels and the former national striker wants to inspire this generation of youngsters to commit to the sport.

“Getting new equipment is definitely inspirational and motivational. It’s something that’s going to push them to go out and train and play the sport even more, learn more.

“It’s great for us that have been through it and know what it takes to get here to give back to them and inspire them to keep on moving forward on their journey,” he said.

Meanwhile Bosiljevac, told The Gleaner the pair would also be coming to Jamaica during the MLS offseason to host coaching clinics as part of the gesture.

She said they are still in the planning stage of the clinic but that both coaches are excited about the prospect.

“We will be sharing details on that as it gets closer. It will be during the MLS off season in December or January,” she stated.

Harris is also very keen to give his knowledge.

“It’s very important we give back the knowledge as well, not just something physical but something to help inspire the coaches who foster these young youngsters. It’s very good to share the intellectual property and give back,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com