Butler wants role for local academies in PFJL U17 programmes
Published:Friday | May 10, 2024 | 12:12 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Founder of Phoenix Academy Craig Butler is pushing for local football academies to be included in the Malta-sponsored Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Under-17 development programme.
The programme was launched on Wednesday, and teams from four Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clubs - Arnett Gardens, Harbour View, Portmore United, and Waterhouse - will compete in three months of football starting on May 25.
Butler said that if given the opportunity, his club would participate without hesitation in the grass-roots pilot project.
“Certainly, we are light-years ahead in terms of development, and any opportunity to share that with the other clubs and the PFJL would be welcome. The academies, by their name, are football schools and places of learning, therefore, if you’re going to have learning and teaching then it should be best to incorporate those who are on the ground doing it,” Butler said.
Butler added that while he believes that local academies should be a staple at development projects, it also requires a partnership between them and local clubs to help with the growth of football in Jamaica.
“Anything that is going on, in terms of the development of football, must include the academies. They have been on the ground working and continue to pave the way, led by Phoenix, in getting results. When was the last time a club team actually placed a player in the English Premier League?” Butler asked.
“Therefore, include Phoenix so that we can show you the way in terms of how to do it. Also, we can work together for the advancement of clubs as they’re important in Jamaica’s history and football, and they’re to be respected,” he said.
However, Christopher Williams, Chairman of the PFJL, explained that having academies participate in projects such as this is outside of the PFJL’S mandate and doesn’t see their inclusion any time soon.
“No, because our role is to execute the strategic development of the JPL clubs. In order for us to get a solid supply chain, we have put in development programmes for the younger members of the JPL league clubs. That’s what we’re doing. In addition, our mandate doesn’t extend beyond the JPL clubs,” he stated.
Williams further added that clubs in the JPL have their own academies, and the focus of the PFJL remains in line with their employees.
“All of our clubs have academies. Our focus is on Premier League academies as the PFJL is a private company owned by the 14 Premier League clubs,” he added.