HOPEWELL, Hanover — Members of Parliament Lloyd B Smith of Central St James and Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams of West Central St James have pledged $1 million to Red Stripe Premier League champions Montego Bay United to be used towards players’ welfare.

The announcement was made on Saturday evening at Montego Bay United’s Awards Ceremony held at Sky Beach in Hopewell, Hanover.

Smith, the deputy speaker of the House of Parliament who made the announcement, said the money should be spent on the players.

“We have one stipulation for this donation,” Smith said while giving greetings. “This money must go towards the players, to buy football boots, shin guards, etc.”

Ffolkes Abrahams also added that there could be more to the donation later, but they would not be able to commit to that yet.

The ceremony rewarded the players for their successful season in which the clubs win the Red Stripe Premier League, the first western team in nearly 20 years to achieve the feat.

Team captain Dwayne Ambusley was the first recipient of the “Rock of MBU” award, which was awarded to the player who showed the most commitment through the season.

Keniel Kirlew got the award for Best Junior Player, goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett was named Best Senior Player, while defender Ladale Richie was named the Most Improved Player.

Each player in the squad was also presented with certificates, gift baskets from MegaMart and gifts from Caribbean Producers Jamaica limited.