PLCA looks abroad for income opportunity for members
The Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) has embarked on an ambitious initiative to catapult as many of its Digicel Premier League (DPL) players into the North American professional football franchises aimed at generating much- needed funds for its struggling members.
At a recent meeting of the Edward Seaga-led body, a review was commissioned to look into the financial condition of the clubs, and it was found that some of them are on the critical list as sponsors have cut back support due to the prevailing economic climate.
As a result, other means of financing for the clubs had to be sourced and it was agreed that the transfer of top-quality players could be a way to raise well-needed funds.
A member of PLCA, Pat Garel, who is well-established as a players’ agent and who knows her way around the football markets, was given the task to spearhead the effort. And her main aim is to get as many players as possible into the North American leagues, particularly the marquis MLS where a number of Jamaicans have excelled and/or continue to excel.
And the departure recently of Devon Hodges of Rivoli United Football Club for a trial stint with MLS club, Colorado Rapids in the United States, the PLCA claims, was not by chance but testimony that the programme has begun to bear fruits.
In addition to Hodges — who was the DPL’s leading scorer with 24 goals last season — two other players are due to depart Monday for trials in Orlando.
The initial plan of the PLCA is to try and place at least one player from each club, and then possibly look to expand the programme in August when the transfer window reopens.
Also, a part of the over tall plan seeks to embrace having “younger players” travelling for summer training stints overseas lasting a few weeks.
“This is a programme that opens much promise for Jamaican football,” the PLCA release quoted the PLCA chairman Seaga.