Vere, Phoenix partnership to include Wembley development
Published:Thursday | August 8, 2024 | 12:12 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
MUCH HAS been said about the recent Phoenix-Vere partnership, after founder of the academy, Craig Butler, signed a deal to take charge of operations of the Clarendon club for the next 10 years.
Lothian Cousins, the president of Vere, revealed that the agreement is for Phoenix to develop and upgrade the facilities at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, while, in return, Vere will offer Phoenix the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
When it comes to sharing profit from the sale of players, Lothian said discussions around those dynamics have to be had.
“There is a component of the agreement that speaks to the development of the facilities, so Mr Butler and Phoenix will have to develop the facilities at Wembley. The home ground will remain at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon and Phoenix will have to improve the facilities, install lighting and bring the field up to the First-World standard.
“There is also adjoining land owned by Vere that Phoenix will also have to establish as a training facility, which the community will get to access and have their recreation. Phoenix also have to maintain our female football programme,” he explained.
He continued that. “On the other hand, Phoenix is now in the Premier League, the highest level of competition in Jamaica.
“So their players will be exposed to the highest level of competition, they will be tested at the highest level and that will assist in the development of Phoenix players.
“So, it is a win for them (Phoenix) because to go through the rounds and qualify for the Premier League will take them several years. But, as of now, they have direct access to the highest competition in the land. So it is really a win-win for them and a win-win for both parties,” he said.
However, he disclosed that there are no pre-arranged agreements in place for how things such as money from transfers will be divided between the two parties.
“All players in the Phoenix development Academy will be transferred into Vere Phoenix United. That is the agreement and, whatever results come from that, both parties will then sit down and have a conversation.”