FIFTY-ONE Red Stripe Premier League players participated in the Players’ Development Programme in which they were trained in etiquette, grooming, responsible drinking and crime prevention at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Thursday.

In welcoming the players, Erin Mitchell, Red Stripe’s brand manager, said: “As you know, Red Stripe is on a five-year programme in the premier league. We have a commitment to the league, the players, the management and everybody involved. Today is the first step in the five-year journey.”

New head of marketing, Blandine Jean-Paul Reid, reiterated her company’s commitment to the development of the players.

“A fundamental part of our priority is to put a whole foot forward by investing in programmes that redefine how the public views the league and our players,” said Reid.

“As a national brand, Red Stripe believes in the importance of driving community and player development through meaningful contribution to our athletes,” she added.

The players also taken through a brief lesson by Dianne Ashton-Smith, head of corporate relations, about the company, Red Stripe Diageo itself, and responsible drinking.

The players really enjoyed the practical session of the etiquette and grooming lessons presented by corporate trainer and image consultant, Laura Butler, director of Fusion Consulting.

Butler, more famous for the grooming of the Miss Jamaica World contestants and who became the new franchise holder for the Miss Jamaica World pageant, had the players figuratively eating out of the palm of her hands.

“My presentation was on the importance of having a positive attitude. Effective communication, building your personal brand, social etiquette-dining, presentation skills, time management and team building,” said Butler.

“The objective is to help the players to be more professional, to improve their personal image, build their careers, encourage them to take responsibility for their growth and to give them the competitive edge,” she added.

Butler touched on an important topic of the young boys wearing pants far below their waists exposing their underpants.

“How do you see yourselves? How do you think others see you? How would you like to be seen?” she asked.

“They seemed grateful for the guidance as they realised that there is so much that they didn’t know. Life continues off the field,” she reiterated.

Meanwhile, Pauline Tomlinson of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme presented on conflict resolution, with the aim that the players understand their roles in their communities; can explain what a conflict is; demonstrate how a conflict is developed; identify the correct and incorrect approaches when there is a conflict and outline two ways of managing their conflicts.

“I am really happy that Red Stripe thought of the players’ development initiative because many times we have persons with talent and they need a little push here and there,” said Tomlinson.

Andrew Price, general manager of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), thanked the sponsors for assisting the development and progress of the players.

“It’s a very good gesture from the sponsors. Normally, you would feel a lot more comfortable on the football field. But we believe that today is very important and we decided to bring you all in for this training session,” said Price, who is also the coach of Boys’ Town.

“It is important, gentlemen that you understand that after football there is going to be life and what we are doing here today is preparing you for life after football,” Price said.