ST Mary is the latest parish to introduce night football to its Major League competition.

The announcement was made at the launch of the league at Westmoreland Oval, recently.

Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Norman Dunn, who spoke at the launch, was delighted to make the announcement to the audience.

“The field has been resurfaced and there is now proper grass planted on the field, but not only that, persons now have the ability to play football at night on this field,” Dunn stated.

He said significant investment was made to improve the Oval, bringing the pitch up to international standards, while the surrounding facilities have been rehabilitated, including the clubhouse and the perimeter fencing.

“We want to ensure that St Mary has a first-class facility, not just for playing football, but for netball and cricket. We have no such facility that caters for day and night activities, and very soon I’ll also embark on building stands along the corridors,” Dr Dunn said.

President of the St Mary Football Association (FA) James Pearson had high praises for his title sponsor, JP St Mary’s, for playing a significant role in the improvements.

“We are elated for the $800,000 sponsorship of the league by JP St Mary’s. We envision the players and the spectators to really benefit from this JP Group partnership which essentially started last year,” Pearson said.

The funds will cover uniforms, snacks and ripe bananas, compensation for the referee staff, as well as complimentary access to Gray’s Inn Sports Club for matches.

“Last year, we had eight clubs and this year we have 11. Of that number, we have three new entrants and we are ensuring that football is being spread across the parish,” he added.

Former President of the Kingston & St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Ambassador Stewart Stephenson also praised the St Mary FA and challenged the players to lift their standard of play commensurate with the facilities they now have.

“I’ll have to congratulate James Pearson and his team for the partnership, which they have done with their MP in bringing the facilities forward.

“To the players, I say, a new facility has been created in St Mary. Your sponsors have put big bucks behind you, so let us give the spectators good quality football. Let us get attractive scoring football to bring spectators to St Mary,” said Stephenson.

Third vice-president of the St Mary FA and chairman of the football committee Raymond Anderson, said that football was moving in the right direction in the parish.

“It’s been years since we have been crying for this kind of development and seeing it happen now, it’s a blessing because we really wanted a field and we are headed in the right direction. Many of our players are under 17 years old and that is evidence that we are headed in the right direction,” he said.

In the meantime, Junior Walters, manager from Albion Mountain promised that his team would repeat as champions of the league.

“We are here to defend our championship title. Last season we made it to the super league finals, so this year we are looking to make it to the premier league. The major league started a bit late and so we have to adjust and train harder and approach the competition as is,” he said.

Following the launch, Star Cosmos Sports Club drew one-all with Jacks River Sports Club, while Gray’s Inn Sports Club stunned Dover Football Club with four-love.

Over a week ago, Highgate United Football Club secured their first win with a one-goal win over Star Cosmos Sports Club, and Rangers clinched a close win of three goals to two, over Enfield Football Club.