DESPITE ongoing challenges with resources and infrastructure in Jamaican football, Reggae Boyz midfielder Kasey Palmer says the current squad is determined to pave the way for future generations through on-field performances.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been blasted over the years for not putting much-needed framework in place to help develop the national men’s, women’s and youth programmes.

Several administrations, including the current one led by Michael Ricketts, have cited lack of funding from Government and private sector, which has seen them operate the association with millions of debt.

It has led to public criticism from key stakeholders. The national senior men’s team has had issues with the JFF, and most recently some core members of the Reggae Girlz refused call-ups for important games over the last eight months due to payment disputes.

Earlier this month Phoenix Academy boss Craig Butler, who is the agent of key players Leon Bailey and Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, said neither of his clients will return to the national team until the JFF meets certain conditions, including issues surrounding accommodation, travel and security.

Although acknowledging things could be better, Palmer says the team wants to raise the standard on the field — which he believes will have a domino effect.

“I think for us, as a squad, we don’t want to make any excuses for any of the past things with the infrastructure but we know what dealing well can lead to, and what success that can bring to the next generation of Jamaicans growing up,” he said.

“Getting out of the group or going as far as we can in every big tournament, we know how much finances that can bring in. That can [help] create better facilities and stuff for the next generation, so that’s our focus and where our mind is. We can’t change previous excuses of not having certain things in place but we know what change we can make,” Palmer added.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has praised the team for overlooking certain issues and being committed to the cause.

“I give them a big credit, [especially] coming from the league like the English Premier League where everything is at your fingertips and coming to Jamaica and doing the best from the things we have. That’s just a pact from them: ‘We’re going to do the best we can,’ even though the facilities and the surroundings is not the same that they’re used to,” he said.

“Of course it’s a little bit demotivational, and that’s the tricky part, but it’s fantastic mentality in the squad to not let the outside things bother you, focus on what we can do, and only things we can do. We cannot control other things, or [we] don’t put the focus on that — that is wonderful from the players to come with that mindset when they come and play for Jamaica,” Hallgrimsson added.

The JFF, earlier this month, announced the federation had cut its debt from $231.4 million to $189 million at the end of 2023. The financial audit was said to have shown a surplus of over $42 million as well as an increase in assets.