Lack of funding for sports in Jamaica is nothing new and national teams seeking to take part in international competitions or to host same have long begged and beseeched for a share of the sponsorship pie.

The lack of funding appears to have taken a downward turn, as with the start of the football season at least three parishes have either started their major competition without sponsors or are still waiting in hope of getting some help.

Recently, we heard that the Manchester Football Association’s Major League would start without a sponsor, the start of the St James FA Major League has been pushed back until they can find money to settle outstanding debts from last season and we are also hearing the Hanover FA is also seeking sponsorships.

Additionally, the Westmoreland FA’s Knock Out started last week, for the second straight year without a sponsor.

The litany of woes continue as even some clubs taking part in the Digicel Premier League have complained that despite help from the Premier League Clubs Association they are still having problems meeting payments.

The cases of St James and Hanover are interesting, as both have enjoyed long- standing sponsorship relationships with the Hart Group and Sandals respectively.

The Hart Group’s name was synonymous with football in St James for nearly 70 years until two years ago when the relationship ended while Sandals was the sole sponsor in Hanover for 16 years until last season.

We have not heard if the global financial meltdown is the reason for the ending of the relationships or why the other parishes and clubs have not been able to secure sponsorship but it would be interesting to hear what they have to say.

The St James FA has a bill from last year close to $700,000 including $650,000 owed to the referees who we hear that while they are sympathetic to the plight of the administrators, thought it was best not to start this season until they have received last year’s payments.

Organising sports was never cheap or easy and with the spiralling of costs in almost every sector of society, it will cost a lot more to run the various leagues in the many parishes.

In this regard we must recognise the tremendous part that Captain Horace Burrell has played as his company Captain’s Bakery is involved in football in no fewer than seven parishes.

While his love for the sport is well documented, it is hoped that other corporate entities who enjoy the patronage in the communities in which they do business will give back to the youths.