KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse Football Club’s youth teams have received a $1.5 million sponsorship from fuel retailer Fesco, aimed at supporting the development of grassroots football and providing key resources for young players.

The sponsorship, which covers equipment, team kits, travel expenses, and training materials, was announced by Stefan Ebanks, Fesco’s head of business development, sales, marketing and communication.

“The sponsorship will provide vital funding for equipment, kits, travel and training resources to ensure that players across all age groups have the tools they need to thrive on and off the pitch,” said Ebanks.

The partnership comes as Fesco expands its presence in the Waterhouse community, with a new service station under construction nearby. Ebanks noted that the club’s request for support was met without hesitation.

“Apart from being a great initiative, they really need the funding. And we are a member of the community now. When they asked, there were no objections on our side, especially with the fact that we are always going to be around,” he said.

Fesco has previously supported local sporting events, including the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Six-A-Side competition and tournaments at Balmagie Primary School. The company’s support for Waterhouse FC also includes assistance with fuel, hydration through its water brand and cooking gas to aid the club’s nutrition programme.

“They have always embraced us, we have never had a challenge. The community has been supportive, so when we did this one, they were quite excited,” Ebanks added.

Club Director Nicola Bicknell welcomed the support. “Having the support of Fesco means the world to our players and their families. It helps us keep grassroots football accessible to all and shows our kids that the community believes in them,” she said.

Team Manager of the Waterhouse youth programmes, Jason Dawson, also acknowledged the importance of the sponsorship as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

“We are thrilled to have Fesco on board with the sponsorship of the youth teams. The presentation was well received by the community and team. As we look forward to the 2025 football season, this support should motivate us to work assiduously in achieving greater success,” Dawson said.

— Robert Bailey