MONTEGO BAY, St James — President of the Jamaica Football Federation Captain Horace Burrell and national head coach of the senior men's team Theodore Whitmore were among several people who were recognised by the St James Football Association at the awards ceremony for the 2011/2012 season last Thursday at the Montego Bay Cricket Club.

Former Montego Bay Boys Club, Herbert Morrison Technical and Violet Kickers players Garfield 'Buddy-roy' Anderson — who is also a former St James FA president and present coach — as well as Oneil Brooks, regional manager for Guardian Life, sponsors of the St James Division Two, were also recognised and presented with plaques during the ceremony.

Whitmore, who started his football career at the lowest level in the parish, rose to prominence in the early 1990s when he led Violet Kickers to the first of their two National Premier League titles. He then became a fixture in the national team, scoring both goals in Jamaica's only win at the FIFA World Cup, in France in 1998, beating Japan 2-1.

Meanwhile, Burrell is credited with the rise of Jamaica's football on the global scene and the architect of the qualification to France '98.

A number of teams and individuals who distinguished themselves last season were also rewarded.

lton Brown was named senior referee of the year while Ojay Duhaney was named junior referee of the year.

Byron Barrett of champions Norwood Strikers was named MVP of the Senior League; Michael McLeod of Reggae Youths was the MVP for the Division One; Vaughn Randall of Paradise was named MVP of the Division Two, while Davel Cornwall of Tomorrow's People was the MVP for the Captain's Bakery Knock Out.