History teaches that amateurism in sport often gives way eventually to professionalism.

It seems to us that in Jamaica that trend will grow — even if only in a fragmented way — as our sporting environment becomes more sophisticated and profitable.

So that as our clubs and academies in football or any other sport seek to earn from nurturing and trading of talented youth, we suspect there will be increasing cases, though hopefully not as divisive as that now involving 17-year-old professional footballer Mr Jamone Lyle.

Regardless of what we may think about the rights, wrongs, or otherwise of the current case, we believe Jamaicans should expect a growing number of footballers, track athletes, et al to seek to earn at an early age.

That’s regardless of whether or not they remain in school while representing their employers and, as such, are prohibited from representative school sports.

Let’s also appreciate that, with proper guidance and stewardship, earning from sport usually drives higher achievement not just for the individual but for club and country.

It’s an extraordinary thing that, as a sporting nation, Jamaica has for generations punched way above its weight on the international stage, despite being predominantly amateur in our local competitive environment.

To get to that much-desired professional level far and wide in Jamaica, much has to change.

Our administrators must also ‘professionalise’ and, as part of that process, develop a comprehensive vision — to “look round corner”, in the language of ordinary folk.

In that respect, we have repeatedly applauded president of the Jamaica Olympic Association Mr Christopher Samuda for his consistent campaigning for modern sports infrastructure.

Be they professional or amateur, our talented young sports ambassadors will not advance as they should if they are left to train and compete in, and at, mostly primitive facilities across the country.

We note also, the recent contribution — by way of a column in this newspaper — of Mr Yoni Epstein, businessman and chairman of Montego Bay United Football Club.

He pointed to the absolute importance of modern “certified” facilities across the country in order for football to grow and earn.

Said he: “A certified pitch is not a monument. It is a revenue-generating asset, and the moment you account for it that way the conversation changes completely.

“Consider what a properly certified facility can earn. It can host confederation fixtures, which come with hosting fees. It can serve as a neutral venue for regional competitions, which are perpetually short of compliant grounds.

It can host pre-season camps for clubs escaping northern winters — a market Jamaica has barely touched, despite having the climate, the flights, and the hotel stock. It can be leased for school competitions, for community leagues, for corporate events.

It can carry naming rights…” Mr Epstein was referring specifically to football, but we believe his comments can apply just as easily to other sports. Such a vision can’t be fully realised in a hurry. The cost is just too great in our view.

Yet, we believe it can be done, one multi-sport complex at a time, over time, if those with shared vision and passion band together in partnership with Government and private enterprise.

That way, we believe, true overarching professionalism for Jamaican sport won’t just be a pipe dream.

It will be reality gradually in the making.