J. Wray & Nephew Limited and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have partnered to kickstart the new Wray & Nephew Football Programme.

Through the programme, the company’s Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum brand will provide comprehensive support to local football clubs, players, and coaches. 

J. Wray & Nephew Limited managing director Jean-Philippe Beyer explained that the programme aims to harness the power of sport to drive positive social change. 

“From skills development to mentorship opportunities, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of footballing talent while instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” he said.

“Moreover, our partnership with the JFF emphasises our collective commitment to leveraging football as a catalyst for community development. Throughout the recent football season, it became even more evident that football has the power to unite the people of Jamaica and inspire individual talent to see their potential grow in a team setting and we are proud to be the stakeholders at the front of this movement,” he continued.

As part of the programme, the company will also introduce the Wray & Nephew School of Football, an initiative to renovate and rename the School of Football at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The new curriculum will focus on training 500 coaches annually in D to A CONCACAF licenses.

The company also announced plans to “support the journey of the Reggae Boyz and Senior Reggae Girlz to the World Cup” and plans of “sponsorship with Waterhouse Football Club and Portmore Football Club stadiums.”

“Through this multifaceted approach, we seek to empower individuals, promote cohesion and create a lasting legacy of sporting excellence in the regional and global football arena,” Beyer said.

The commitment to the sport will span over three years at a value of J$200 million.