FIFA’s recent engagement with Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clubs underscored a critical truth: The future of football belongs to organisations that are structured, strategic, and sustainable. For Dunbeholden FC, that message resonates deeply, as the club continues to build towards a more modern and business-driven model of operations.

Represented by General Manager Roger Simmonds, Dunbeholden FC participated in the two-day FIFA Essential Course in Club Management, held in Kingston and attended by executives from all 14 JPL clubs. The workshop, led by FIFA consultants Pedro Correia and Luis Rodriguez, focused on key areas including governance, long-term planning, finance, marketing, communications, and commercial strategy.

Dunbeholden’s Chief Commercial Officer Aubyn Henry underscored the key takeaway from the workshop.

“The days of football clubs being managed like side projects are truly over,” said Henry. “What we are building at Dunbeholden FC is far more than a team. It is a fully fledged organisation designed to create lasting value not only for our players and fans but for everyone who believes in the future and growth of Jamaican football as a whole.”

The sessions form part of FIFA’s broader effort to professionalize club football globally, ensuring that clubs operate as sustainable businesses rather than just teams on the field. As part of the exercise, participating clubs are required to submit an operational plan to the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), which will be reviewed by FIFA.

At Dunbeholden FC, these lessons align seamlessly with the club’s current trajectory. Under the leadership of President Donovan Witter, the Portmore-based outfit has been steadily laying the groundwork for long-term growth, both on and off the pitch.

“This recent FIFA course was more than just an educational session. It was a wake up call for the entire league. It reminded us that if we want to thrive in the increasingly competitive world of football, we must evolve into fully professional organisations with strong sustainable structures that support long term success on and off the field,” Henry stated.

“Without this transformation, the future we envision for our clubs, our players, and our communities will remain out of reach.”

As the club enters a new phase of its evolution, Dunbeholden FC aims to redefine what professional football can look like in Portmore. The organisation’s focus on structure, transparency, and commercial development signals a broader vision for the sport’s future in Jamaica, one that aligns with FIFA’s call for stronger, more sustainable club ecosystems.