JPL the standard bearer for region, says Hill

With several players from the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) being called up for national duty across the Caribbean, Owen Hill, CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), said the JPL has grown to become the leading league in the region.

With Montego Bay United's Demario Phillips replacing Hull City's Kasey Palmer in the Reggae Boyz squad, 10 JPL players have now received the national call-up for Jamaica's upcoming fixtures against St Vincent and Grenadines.

This also adds to several marquee Caribbean internationals who ply their trades in the local league, including the St Lucian pair of Melvin Doxilly and Vino Bartlett as well as Trinidadians Kaile Auvray, Josiah Trimmingham and Darnell Hospeldales.

Hill said as more JPL players start earning places in their national teams, it is a sign that the league has grown in quality over the years.

"I feel ecstatic to see the numbers. I'm definitely assured that we have the right strategy because again, everything really starts from having the long-term vision and then doing things in the intermediary to hit those performance indicators," Hill explained.

"So having more players involved in the national programme is a testament to the quality of the league itself because the players are getting more touches week in, week out, the coaches are getting way better, the results matter more and as a result of that, the players are starting to fight for spots in their national set-ups."

Hill also explained as the league continues to grow, more Caribbean internationals will be attracted to joining clubs in the JPL and build the number of national players.

This, he said, will not only benefit the league, but the various Caribbean federations as it means their players will be competing with and against the top players in the region on a weekly basis.

STANDARD BEARER

"Having the JPL as a standard bearer for leagues across the Caribbean will benefit neighbouring countries like Trinidad and St Lucia and the other countries that have those ambitions.

"This is because these players get to play against each other week in and week out. It helps build good practices for the national coaches because when they receive these players, they are coachable and are match ready."

He said with the increased attention from national coaches, the JPL has become the perfect platform for players who aspire towards representing their countries on the world stage.

"The JPL is that place where you develop your skills, hone your skills and get to exhibit your skills. The eyes are on the league and not only are you training in the middle of June, you're also playing until April.

"No where else provides that opportunity for the national teams, they know they can always reach for the players here because the JPL has that talent because of how strong the league has become."

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com