Digicel has agreed to give significant financial support to local football.
On Tuesday it was announced that Digicel would have a three year contract with the Cayman Islands Football Association.
The contract calls for $30,000 to be given per year to CIFA.
There are also performance clauses that can allow CIFA to receive even more money if they meet certain milestones. The extent of those clauses was not stated.
CIFA President Jeff Webb did not immediately say where or how the money would be used but he insists it will go toward various initiatives.
Digicel is the second private sector company to enter in a partnership with CIFA. The other is Advance Automotive.
Head of Marketing for Digicel Casandra Harris said the company is committed to supporting local football.
‘On behalf of Digicel I’d like to congratulate Cayman football for all its achievements. We’re proud to sponsor men’s football and all football in Cayman.
‘We look forward to continuing our sponsorship of local football well into the future.’
Cayman’s national coach and Technical Director of football Carl Brown said the announcement is the answer to a long-heard cry in the community.
‘We’ve heard the demands from people for the preparation of the national team to include more games. Without sponsorship [such as that of Digicel] that wouldn’t work.’
One of the areas Brown would like the money to go to is gaining international exposure. Brown said that it would be ideal if Cayman played one international game per month.
News of the sponsorship comes days before the Jamaican national team faces Cayman on Sunday at 7pm at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
Brown has much of his attention on the impending match. In addition to facing his former team, Brown will be up against one of Jamaica’s most celebrated footballers in Head Coach John Barnes.
Barnes was also present for the announcement. The Reggae Boyz have a partnership with Digicel Jamaica plus Barnes and the team were able to come to Cayman in part by Webb, who covered all of the team’s expenses.
Nonetheless Brown feels the timing of the announcement is appropriate.
‘This is good for Cayman. It was really an experience for the Cayman players in Guadeloupe.
‘The Jamaican team is a strong bunch. I’m very familiar with most of the players. But the Cayman team is highly motivated and the public is in for a good game on Sunday.’
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