At least two local coaches have endorsed the decision by organisers to stage Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) matches throughout the festive season.

After a full-slate fixture last Thursday, mere days ahead of Christmas Day, league action continues with five games tomorrow and another on Friday to complete the 18th match day of the 2017-18 football campaign.

It is a route that has been taken before, with mixed feedback coming from stakeholders. Some have welcomed at least a week to two-week break for the holiday, while others have cautioned that too long a time off can lead to players overindulging in the Yuletide and can have a negative impact on their match readiness.

Tivoli Gardens FC Head Coach Omar Edwards noted that while some domestic leagues in Europe enjoy a winter break, in England there is no such thing.

“When you look at what is happening in the English Premier League, there’s barely a break,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The frenetic holiday schedule in England’s cash-rich top division usually runs from the day before Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day and on to New Year’s Day, with teams playing as many as three matches in less than a week.

“We have to understand that our players are looking to go professional and we have to be able to adapt to what is happening and bring it here. I really don’t have a problem with it,” Edwards, whose side lies third in the league with 29 points from 17 games, stressed.

Edwards’ opposite number at Portmore United Shavar Thomas says the lack of an extended break keeps his players sharp going into the second half of the campaign.

“Our work continues regardless of the season. Honestly, I prefer it like this [playing throughout the holiday period]…rather than the players get a week and a half off and then you have to go back to square one to rejuvenate everybody and to refocus everybody. It’s harder that way,” he explained.

Portmore, beaten finalists in the last two RSPL campaigns, lead the 12-team table with 37 points, two ahead of title-holders Arnett Gardens FC.

Tivoli Gardens are scheduled to host sixth-placed Reno FC (22 points) at Edward Seaga Sports Complex tomorrow, while Portmore United welcome fourth-placed University of the West Indies FC (24 points) to Spanish Town Prison Oval the same day.

— Sanjay Myers