WHEN Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz secured their historic spot in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the impact transcended football. Across 10 home games on the island, the team not only went undefeated, but also inspired an extraordinary wave of peace — on nine match days, not a single murder was recorded. After Jamaica tied with Mexico in their final home game, this harmony extended for three days.

Reflecting on that moment, sports stalwart Neville Bell sees the transformative power of sport as a beacon of hope for a nation battling violence.

“If sports can do that, so be it!” he says, committing to doing all he can to help Jamaica realise his vision of unity and fearlessness for future generations through sports.

On the Jamaican football fields, the name Neville Bell resonates far beyond the pitch. However, his storied career began by sheer chance.

“I went to Manning Cup training at St Jago to help a friend with the athletes. When I started the training session I turned around and my friend was gone! And that’s how my journey began in coaching in Jamaica,” he recalls.

Since then, Bell has been a cornerstone in youth and athletic development, turning young footballers into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate life’s challenges for decades. From his unassuming beginnings as a coach at St Jago High School to his celebrated tenure at St George’s College, Bell’s impact is a compelling tale of vision and service. That unplanned spur marked the beginning of a life of football with coaching stints at Harbour View, The University of the West Indies, and several Premier League clubs.

However, in a country where mental health often takes the backseat, Neville Bell recognises the need to dismantle barriers within the space by prioritising the holistic well-being of his players. Known for his nurturing approach on and off the field, Bell’s role as an ambassador for Malta — the caregiver brand — is a perfect match. A sports psychologist, he shares, is a crucial member of his team, offering both group and individual sessions to help players navigate personal and professional challenges.

“Some of these youngsters have major problems that even the coaches might not know about. The psychologist helps them tackle issues outside the team — and even within it,” he explains. His systematic gameplay includes the expertise of other conditioning coaches, goalkeeping coaches, mentors, and managers, all working together to ensure that players receive the support they need.

Bell acknowledges that his own coaching decisions, like leaving a player on the bench, might inadvertently exacerbate their struggles.

“Sometimes they weren’t in a good place to begin with, and I might not even know. That’s where the psychologist really helps,” he says.

His philosophy, much like the Malta brand he represents, is grounded in nurturing and supporting others, ensuring that every player has access to the tools they need to thrive.

Unfortunately, Bell concedes that not many other Jamaican coaches have the privilege of being a part of a structured organisation.

“There are some coaches, who are everything. They are the father and the coach and the goalkeeper coach and the trainer and they have to get the food for the guys and they have to beg equipment to train.” However, although building strong athletes begins with understanding their humanity, he affirms, “It’s definitely not a one-man job.”

Surpassing coaching tactics, his efforts mirror his broader vision for the development of Jamaican sports, youth, and the nation by extension. His work supersedes mere match results, as he proudly highlights the opportunities created for his players.

“Close to 150 student-athletes have gotten full scholarships to universities here and abroad, and we love that! We work for that,” he shares.

However, Bell is less concerned with his own legacy and more with the opportunities created for his players. He wants to be remembered not for the trophies he’s won but for the lives he’s touched.

“It’s certainly not about me. It’s about all these youngsters, these outstanding student-athletes, getting a chance to move on,” he says. In his world, the true victory isn’t in the scoreline but in the enduring impact on young lives.

While Bell is humbled by his achievements, he remains focused on the future aspiring to inspire more young Jamaicans to take bright paths and contribute to national development in a profound way.

“If I could change one thing about the sports landscape in Jamaica, I would fight for better facilities at all levels for all sports.”

Neville Bell’s work is a reminder that the true success of sports lies in the number of lives it transforms — a vision he continues to champion for Jamaica’s future. For him, sports is a unifying force capable of bridging divides, fostering peace, and transforming lives in a real way. He envisions a country where football and other sports become agents of social harmony, offering a therapeutic escape from life’s challenges while shaping individuals into better versions of themselves.

Neville Bell is a coach both on and off the field. Here, he has an encouraging chat with the Mount Pleasant Football Club footballers at Malta’s Holistic Workshop.

Participating in Malta’s Kickin’ Cuisine event, Neville Bell cheers on Waterhouse Football player Sean-John Curchar (second right) after sampling his Malta Power Shake. At second left is Sean-John’s aunt Tamara Curchar; and fellow Waterhouse player Shaheem Stevenson is at right. As part of the Malta Sparks campaign, the event aimed to educate caregivers on the importance of preparing nutritious meals at home, ensuring that athletes are well-fuelled to excel in their games.