Kingston Football Academy, KFC partnership make Euro trip a success

HAVING CONCLUDED their recent trip across Europe, Kingston Football Academy (KFA) director and coach Eric Rademakers sought to thank their sponsors Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), through their KFC brand, for making the trip possible.

This was the KFA’s third time making a European trek and this year they played a series of matches and tournaments in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Along with their trip, the academy also had several players going on trial in Denmark.

Throughout their time overseas, the team played several European outfits and saw some favourable results, including a 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard from the Netherlands.

The KFA explained their trip was possible largely in part to their KFC sponsorship. The KFA benefited from a sponsorship package of $1.5 million to help cover the cost of the trip in addition to their $1 million in cash and meal support.

CONTINUED SUPPORT

According to Rademakers, the continued support from KFC has enabled the academy to provide opportunities for their players to work towards their football ambitions.

“We might not have made it to Europe if KFC had not stepped in when we needed them,” he said.

“Since we came on the scene, they have been extremely generous, offering our academy money and our boys, food. So it is certainly not taken for granted when they sponsored our trip again this year.

“Their contribution helped us to afford aeroplane tickets, hotel accommodation and other transportation. Our boys have been working hard, some desiring scholarships, some having the ultimate goal of being professional athletes. So, we are grateful that they believe in us and continue to show that.”

ROJ brand manager Andrei Roper said their continued support for the KFA comes from the academy’s ability to compete on the international stage, the players’ potential, and the commitment from the coaches.

Roper applauded the team’s efforts overseas and said the ROJ is looking forward to their continued partnership.

“We take great pride in knowing that we were once again able to play our part in making the KFA trip to Europe a success. It is a big deal for us, because the players have such immense drive and potential, and with the commitment of their coaches, they continue to prove themselves worthy of competing in the international space,” Roper said.

He added, “We certainly look forward to continuing to partner with the KFA, and we’re so excited to witness their increased growth and success.”