OCHO RIOS, St Ann — National football coach Theodore Whitmore has praised Sandals Resort International (SRI) for its commitment and contribution towards the development of football across the country.

“I know that the Jamaica Football Federation is extremely appreciative of the sponsorship support it gets at the national level, but is equally appreciative of the support local bodies get,” Whitmore told Thursday’s launch of the St Ann/St Mary Sandals sponsored business house competition.

“The stronger our clubs and community entities are, the stronger the national programme will be, so please accept my thanks for your support and in particular your chief executive, Mr Adam Stewart,” said the former national midfielder and hero of Jamaica’s France 1998 World Cup campaign.

Whitmore said it was important for football to be developed at all levels, and expressed satisfaction that the national football programme has been making significant strides recently.

He pointed specifically to the successes of both the national senior team and the Under-17 team, with the latter group well positioned to become the base for the national Under-20, Under -23 and the senior team in the future

“When we see the sort of transition, then we know our football is making process, these positive developments have not come by chance or luck, they have come as a result of some careful planning and investment,” he said.

Whitmore, popularly called ‘Tappa’, encouraged the participations in the business house league to exemplify the highest level of professionalism and team work at all times during the competition.

“Sandals Resort, your sponsorship of this competition has given to this parish a most powerful tool, the sport of football, a sport in which the players learn discipline, confidence, leadership, tolerance, co-operation and respect,” Whitmore said.

He added that Sandals investment in the league was a clear indication of the company’s commitment to the development of football in the parish.

After a three-year break, the business house league kicks off this afternoon at Drax Hall with an opening ceremony and dress parade involving the 16 competing teams, followed by the opening match between former champions Noranda Bauxite and new comers Royal Decameron.

Other participating teams are Sandals Grande Riviera, Dolphin Cove, Beaches Boscobel, Sandals Royal Plantation, St Ann Fire Brigade, All Banks, Grand Bahia Principe, Golden Eye Ocho Rios, Marksman Ocho Rios, Jewels Dunn’s River, RIU Ocho Rios, National Water Commission, Couples San Souci and St Ann Development Company.

Sandals director of Business Processes and Administration, Wayne Cummings, said Sandals was pleased to be a part of the competition, and that as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebration, $2 million would be spent on football in St Ann, St Mary, Hanover and St James.

President of the St Ann FA, Danny Beckford, said he was pleased that Sandals had come on board again as sponsors, and with its help the league has done a lot for football in the parish.

“We are extremely glad that you’re here again for this league,” Beckford said.

He said in addition to the championship trophy, the winners would pocket $60,000, while second place will take home $50,000. The third and fourth place winners will get $40,000 and $30,000, respectively.

National football coach, Theodore Whitmore (centre), talks with president of St Ann FA Danny Beckford (right) and Sandals director of Business Processes and Administration Wayne Cummings (left) during Thursday’s launch of the Sandals St Ann/St Mary Business House Football League.