JFF Technical Centre Renamed in Honour of Captain Burrell

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Technical Centre located at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has been renamed in honour of the federation’s late President, Captain Horace Burrell.

The UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence was unveiled on Monday (June 26).

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said the establishment of the facility “is perhaps the most important move made to date in the interest of Jamaica’s football development”.

“The Captain would want this centre, through its activities, to be at the forefront in the rebirth of Jamaica’s football. What we can promise… is that my Ministry is prepared to work with the university and the JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence, in whatever way the centre requires, in the effort to further the Captain’s legacy,” she said.

Ms. Grange noted that the name change represents a continuation of the partnership established by the UWI and JFF in 2008 for the creation of the facility.

“We are happy to see that since the signing, a technical centre for training sessions has been completed, plus two training fields; dormitories are currently under construction, and the facility is blossoming into a centre of excellence,” she pointed out.

She said the facility deserves the attention and support of all who love the game of football, adding that the Government is committed to the development of the sport.

In his remarks, JFF Vice-President, Garfield Sinclair, said Captain Burrell’s legacy as a “truly great Jamaican visionary” had long been secured, and the naming of the centre in his honour serves to “expand his influence to international proportions”.

“We, the members of the Jamaica Football Federation family and indeed of all football, and I believe all of Jamaica, only hope and expect that his impact on the sport and, frankly, on every Jamaican life will eventually be appropriately immortalised,” he said.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal, UWI Mona, Professor Archibald McDonald, said the centre is critical for sports training, education and research in the country.

Captain Burrell’s son, Romario, expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on his late father.

“We are in awe at what the university, the JFF and the country have decided to bestow on my father. We are almost speechless and we will be forever grateful for this honour. He gave his life to serving his county, he gave his life to serving the people, and this is just one way that I see the respect on behalf of the country for my father reciprocated. so it means the world to us,” he said.

Captian Burrell died earlier this month after a period of illness. A thanksgiving service will be held on Wednesday (June 28) at the National Arena in Kingston.