Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake has committed $500,000 to his alma mater Clarendon College, funds which will be used to help renovate the football field at the renowned establishment.

The donation was made in the presence of Principal David Wilson and members of the daCosta Cup team during a special handover event at the institution.

Blake’s contribution was made possible through the Sagicor Foundation and the Supreme Ventures Foundation. The $500,000 will go towards improving the school’s sports facilities, which are currently in need of attention, ahead of the fast-approaching schoolboy football season.

The initiative, kick-started by Clarendon College’s class of 1983 in collaboration with the alumni association, aims to raise additional funds through a GoFundMe campaign.

“The school’s field is in a poor state, which has prevented the hosting of daCosta Cup matches or facilitating team training for the past three years,” said Richard Palmer of the Class of 1983. “Our aim is to swiftly restore the field, enabling future generations to enjoy using it and properly supporting our teams at Clarendon College.”

Blake, meanwhile, emphasised the potential benefits for student athletes at the instutition.

“Renovating this field is important; 11 DaCosta Cup championship teams came through Clarendon College and it provided many with the resources to do well and so now, we give others the chance to nurture their sporting abilities here. This is a small gesture on my part, and I am grateful to Sagicor and Supreme Ventures for answering the call,” said Blake.

He also urged others to contribute to the cause. “I encourage others to contribute as our alumni strive to raise US$100,000. This is a noble cause; let’s provide these children with a place to play, cheer, and develop in their chosen sport,” he said.

The donation not only highlighted Blake’s commitment to his alma mater, but also reinforced Clarendon College’s legacy as a cradle for sporting excellence in Jamaica.

Kamal Powell, head of marketing at Supreme Ventures Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the foundation’s support.

“We are pleased to support Andre’s philanthropic effort, as one of Jamaica and Clarendon College’s icons and our JustBet brand ambassador. Through this donation, the SVL Foundation is not simply contributing to the restoration of a football field. We are nurturing the dreams of future sporting icons, and this partnership is a reflection of our shared vision for the development of sports in Jamaica.”

Clarendon College, situated in Chapelton, holds the distinction of being the oldest school in the parish. The school has achieved remarkable success by winning the Boys’ Athletics Championships on three ocassions, the daCosta Cup title 11 times, and the Olivier Shield six times.