MONTEGO BAY, St James — Montego Bay United Chairman Yoni Epstein is calling for every parish in Jamaica to have a properly equipped sporting facility to nurture young football talent, arguing that the redevelopment of the Montego Bay Sports Complex should become a model for sporting infrastructure across the island.

Epstein, chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited, the umbrella company under which the Premier League club operates, said young footballers must have access to quality playing surfaces and training facilities if Jamaica is to develop players capable of competing internationally.

“The work is not finished yet, but the plans are first world, the kind of facility young players in Europe and America take for granted. Every child in Jamaica who dreams of playing this game should be able to train on a proper pitch, because good surfaces build good habits, good touch and good footballers,” Epstein said.

“What is being built in Montego Bay should not be the exception. It should be the model, mimicked in every parish across this island. That is how we build in the parishes, for the world. And you, the young men sitting here today, are the proof of what that investment can produce,” he added.

He was speaking at a send-off dinner for Jamaica’s Under-17 football team he hosted in partnership with businessman Ian Dear at Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment in Montego Bay on Tuesday evening. The players and technical staff were honoured ahead of their departure for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Epstein also provided an update on the restoration of the Montego Bay Sports Complex, which suffered extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October last year.

He said the facility was approximately 80 to 90 per cent ready, with plans to stage its first match on December 13.

“The lighting towers are being refurbished,” he told the Observer, adding that installation of a new lighting system and replacement of perimeter fencing damaged by the hurricane were scheduled to begin next week.

“Everything is moving in the direction to be ready for the 13th of December,” he said.

The restoration follows a 25-year lease agreement signed with the St James Municipal Corporation at the end of February, after which work began on the Catherine Hall property.

The ambitious development plan includes two additional full-sized football fields, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, racquet sports and futsal courts, a 40-room dormitory and a gymnasium, among other amenities.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts, Vice-President Bruce Gaynor emphasised the importance of collaboration among football administrators, clubs and private-sector interests in creating opportunities for the country’s young players.

EPSTEIN… every child in Jamaica who dreams of playing this game should be able to train on a proper pitch (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

“Our young footballers need more than encouragement; they need structured development, quality coaching, adequate facilities, financial support, and people who are prepared to invest in their future,” Gaynor said.

He praised the partnership behind the send-off function, noting that cooperation among individuals and organisations was essential to strengthening the national football programme.

Gaynor also expressed appreciation to Epstein, Dear and the management and staff of Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment, along with everyone who contributed to the event.

“To our young Reggae Boyz and the entire delegation, as we prepare to depart for Qatar, go with our prayers, our blessings, and the full support of the Jamaican people. Give your very best. Pray for your teammates,” he said.

Jamaica’s young Reggae Boyz are preparing for their third appearance at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on November 19. They have been drawn in Group E alongside European powerhouse Italy, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan, having secured qualification during the Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers in February.

Among the players eager to make their mark is 16-year-old striker Jahmari Nolan, a Toronto FC player, who expressed excitement about and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Jamaica on the global stage.

“Obviously, I’m very happy, very excited, very grateful. I’m just ready to rumble and play our hearts for the country,” Nolan said.

The forward also made clear that he intends to contribute to the team’s attacking effort.

“Of course I intend to score some goals,” he added.

Despite the challenge ahead, Nolan expressed confidence in Jamaica’s ability to advance to the next round.

Jamaica secured qualification in February during the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers and have been drawn in Group E alongside European heavyweights Italy, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan.