KINGSTON College (KC) Head Coach Leaford Grant says he is leaving the role, after six years, at the end of their season.

Grant led KC to four ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ Athletics Championships (Champs) titles in five years, and is aiming to secure one more before leaving.

Grant says it is time for a younger mind to be in charge.

“After doing it for over 30 years I kind of feel now that the time has come when probably younger people at KC have the sort of energy they can put into it,” Grant told the Jamaica Observer in an exclusive interview.

“When you are coaching at Kingston College it comes with a lot of energy and hard work to get a big team like KC to where you want it to be competitive every year. When you have done it for so many years you need new, dynamic people to come in and put in the necessary work.”

Grant says his departure will be amicable and that he has no issues with management at KC.

“Let me tell everybody straight that me and the management, the principal, and everybody at KC are all good — so let’s just get that clear,” he said. “There is nothing going on between us, it is just time for renewal at KC.”

As head coach, Grant relished the challenge of leading a title-chasing programme and appreciates what he describes as unwavering support from the school’s fan base.

“Success has been good because I have enjoyed most of it,” he said. “KC is always a title-chasing school, and we have a lot of fans who expect us to challenge every year and do our best. Our supporters are always with us — win, lose, or draw — but they expect us to perform every year.

“At the end of the day you don’t want to be the one holding things back, especially when you’re getting older and maybe you don’t feel the same drive. Sometimes, you just need a little rest.”

Though stepping away from daily coaching duties, Grant has pledged to continue supporting the programme.

“I will always be around for KC, supporting whoever is there,” he said. “I might not be coaching on a daily basis any more but I have surely helped build the structure that is there right now. You wouldn’t want to see someone come in as head coach and destroy that structure.”

KC, the most successful school in Champs history, will also be aiming for its 36th hold on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary.

Champs takes place at the National Stadium from March 25-29.