SIXTEEN – year- old Leon Bailey of Phoenix All-Star Football Academy was officially signed to a threeyear endorsement contract by international brand Nike at the Spanish Court Hotel on Tuesday.

The Jamaican, who now resides in Holland, will wear the Nike brand on and off the field, and it is understood that the contract will also see support going to the Phoenix Academy in the form of equipment and gear. The Jamaica Observer understands that the youngster could earn up to 10,000 euros per year, though no official figure was disclosed by any of the parties.

Sports Marketing Specialist of Nike, Pedro Boyd, who is based in Panama, explained to the Observer how the deal came about.

“Well, he was seen by a Nike scout in Europe, he was playing some good football there and we developed a contact for him here in Jamaica. The final decision to sign him was made by my international boss and I was asked to come down to make it official.

“We are betting on Leon…we are betting on him to be a great player to represent the brand of Nike well and to make Jamaica proud,” he added.

The young striker was overcome by the occasion.

“I would like to thank Nike for this opportunity to show Jamaica what I have accomplished, what I can do and what is to come in the

future. It is really a great feeling standing here knowing that Nike wants to

sign me, and I am really thankful to my Phoenix brothers for supporting me and Mr Butler.”

Bailey, who attends school in Europe, said that he became a member of the academy while still attending primary school.

“I started when I was seven years old and they were training at Constant Spring. I went over there and started training until I joined in with the club.

“At Phoenix anybody is welcome, so even if you are just five years old you can join and they will work with you. We do a lot of work with youngsters because we go to Europe and come back and prepare them, so that they can develop the style and culture of European football,” he said.

Founder of Phoenix Academy Craig Butler said it was an honour to see that Jamaican football has evolved.

“Leon was a very difficult youngster. He has transformed into an extremely determined, persistent young man. He is a bit cocky sometimes because he believes in himself, but he is truly loved by his fellow players at Phoenix Academy.”

Businessman Olivier Arrindell, who is vicepresident and chairman of AVA Transportation Jamaica Limited, has been sponsoring the academy for over six months and urges other corporate businesses across the island to invest in the country and young talent in the sporting arena.

Arrindell is soon to initiate a new airline in Jamaica that he plans to utilise in getting a few of the Phoenix Academy players to the World Cup later this year.