On a recent visit to Jamaica, I was given the opportunity of an exclusive tour of the Harbour View Football Club (HVFC) facilities. Impressive was the first thing that came to me as I was shown around the complex that I as a boy growing up in the area we referred to as Compound.
Harbour View FC was established in 1974 and has grown to become one of, if not, the premier football organization in Jamaica. General Manager, Clyde Jureidini spoke about plans to strengthen the management and administrative structure of the club, continued upgrade to the facilities and improved strategies in marketing the club. In addition he expressed their commitment to relations within the Harbour View community and adjoining communities and their desire to building international alliances in the Caribbean, North America, Central America and Europe.
Over the years, HVFC has had the services of some of the top names in Jamaican football and had three of their players, Peter Cargill, Onandi Lowe, and then a 19 year old sensation, Ricardo Gardner, represent the Reggae Boyz at the 98 World Cup in France. Ricardo Gardner went on to become the club's first million pound transfer as he was picked up by English Club Bolton Wanderers where he continues to play. Other top players to have worn the colors of HVFC includes Milton Griffiths, Clennon Clarke, Altimont Butler, Luton Shelton, Damani Ralph, Robert Scarlett, Fabian Taylor, Keith Kelly, Sean Fraser, Akeem Preistley, Damion Stewart and midfield maestro Jermaine Hue.
Mordan "Mordy" Brown, a senior member of the club, gave TheReggaeBoyz.com an exclusive tour of the facilities which can house 24 players. Along with a well lit full size field and well maintained playing surfaces, there is a player lounge, a well equipped gym, first class changing areas for home and guest teams, sleeping quarters and their own laundry facilities.
In addition to many local championship wins, HVFC was the first Jamaican club to win the Caribbean Club Championship and to also advanced to the CONCACAF Quarterfinals where they loss to DC United. This game was shown live globally on FoxSportsWorld.
ThereggaeBoyz.com would like to thank Clyde Jureidini, the management and staff of Harbour View Football Club for allowing us to share our visit of such an impressive club with the rest of the world.
Visit the official website of Harbour View Football Club at www.HVFC.net
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Jureidini is a godsend to that community and Jamaican football in general. There are also a lot of others like Carvel Stewart, DV and Blaine who have the correct vision of what a Jamaican pro team should look like. Nuff respects to them!
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And just think that this is not their management's full-time job. Can you imagine if they were able to do this as their real profession. That's the type of obstacle that a pro league infrastructure would eliminate or at least minimize.
Originally posted by Jahjesty: And just think that this is not their management's full-time job. Can you imagine if they were able to do this as their real profession. That's the type of obstacle that a pro league infrastructure would eliminate or at least minimize.
It would; but this is one of a handful of football clubs that are actually football clubs and not an extension of an area's political machine. Jerry and company have done a marvellous job. I can't help but wonder if they could have done the same sort of job if they had the political machinery of say an Arnett or Tivoli to deal with. Portmore is also succesful, but they have had the chance to benefit form JFF largesse when the baker was in power.
This organization is an example that other clubs should take note of. I agree that the leaders of the JFF should also look how a professional structure should operate.
2 months ago I received an email which made me think exacctly what panjam said. I compared the foresight and planning of Harbourview against the perceived lack of foresight at JFF. Last time I visited Harbour View I had to walk by the Stadium which I had read about and I was very impressed. lived bout 500 yards from Compound (The Stadium) for a couple years after marrying a Harbour View girl.
See what you guys think about these excerpts: PROPOSAL FOR HARBOUR VIEW FC SPONSORSHIP IN THE CARIBBEAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 2006.
Hello Everyone, Each year the Champions and the runner up from the Caribbean Premier League competitions are invited to enter the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Club Championships, the oldest contest in the region, where the winner progresses to the Confederation of North, Central American and the Caribbean Association Football, (CONCACAF) Club Championships then winner goes onto the World Club Championships with the six Champions from all the Continents worldwide culminating in November 2007.
This year Waterhouse and Harbour View FC are the Jamaican Clubs who qualified.
Main Objective: Our proudly stated objective as a Jamaican Club, is to conquer the CFU Caribbean Club Championship title for the third consecutive year. Harbour View initiated success in 2005 and this was continued by Portmore United in 2006.
The Schedule:
Our Budget: The $4.8million budget outlined for staging Zone A and $3.6million for Zone B attached that we presented last week to the CFU in Trinidad would be the basis of our discussions to offer added value visibility to local Sponsorship in a wider marketplace of the Caribbean possibly Central America and the United States later on in 2007.
Expenses: Our responsibilities to all visiting Clubs include providing Hotel, Meals, Ground Transportation, Game Officials, Venue operations in addition to Promotions and Advertising.
Sponsors: Established National Reggae Boyz and Premier League Sponsors would be given the first option of refuse, alongside individual Club Sponsors as they are the stakeholders who have invested over time in these entities.
The main Sponsorship Categories available are for Official Game Shirt Branding of front, back and Sleeves, Shorts, Training Attire and Travel Equipment, Hotel, Meals, Ground Transportation, Game Officials, Venue Operations in addition to Promotions and Advertising, Refreshments, Food Concessions, Tyres, Gasolene, Airline and Stadium Entertainment Packages amongst any other that can be discussed.
Sponsorship Benefits: The exclusive benefits are available for Official Sponsors of this tournament only, as the Clubs provide a new market untapped for a limited time period where marketers can access a select environment to maximise their advantages unrestricted by competitors.
The Rights extended to associates on Official Clothing on and off the field, Stadium Branding, Advertising and Promotional Campaigns, Appearances and Endorsements by Players and Club Officials, Television, Cable, Internet and Radio Broadcasting, Game day Magazines or Flyers, Exhibition Booth, Match Sponsors, Season Ticket or Individual Game Tickets Branding.
A Press Conference to announce the Sponsors in a uniquely designed ceremony that grabs the attention of the sensitive pre-Christmas shoppers that coincides with sharing the warm feeling of goodwill towards your fellowman.
Sales: In our attempt to generate much needed interest, spectator support and added income the Harbour View Football Club is proposing a Sales Blitz throughout the Business Community by purchasing blocks of Season Tickets for the Caribbean Club Championship 2006.
Season Ticket: The entry fee for individuals is $400 daily or for all three days at $1,000 per Season Ticket. A Package of ten (10) at a cost of $9,600 and a group of twenty (20) for $18,000. This offer begins on Monday, November 20th and ends on Thursday, November 30th, 2006 at 5pm.
The Proposed Competition Itinerary:
We look forward to your usually positive response.
For any further information please contact Clyde Jureidini at 3 mobile, home 9/office or Safiyah Lopez at the Club offices at 9387155 or 66 or fax to 9387185.
Yours sincerely,
Clyde Jureidini General Manager Harbour View Football Club.
Originally posted by Jahjesty: And just think that this is not their management's full-time job. Can you imagine if they were able to do this as their real profession. That's the type of obstacle that a pro league infrastructure would eliminate or at least minimize.
It would; but this is one of a handful of football clubs that are actually football clubs and not an extension of an area's political machine. Jerry and company have done a marvellous job. I can't help but wonder if they could have done the same sort of job if they had the political machinery of say an Arnett or Tivoli to deal with. Portmore is also succesful, but they have had the chance to benefit form JFF largesse when the baker was in power.
Interesting points Toucan. However, history have shown us many a football clubs whose following and backing have strong political links. Clubs like Rangers/celtic, Real Madrid/Barcelona, and River Plate/Boca Jrs. comes readily to mind.
The persons responsible for Harbour Views' suggest story must be commended and their work shows what can be achieve with a little hard work and effort.
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Most things in Life are'nt difficult....Clyde isnt doing anything revolutionary. A freshman at UWI could write that letter...
I think the JFF should have more of a leadership role in "Football Education" They keep teaming up with NSCAA - they offer a director of coaching Diploma
JFF needs to offer a Director of Club certificate or Offer courses in that regard
Facilities and quality will come in time... But "administrators and Coaches" must know what them doing.
Nac, we haven't been formally introduced, but just a word of caution is nuff Compound man' deh bout so tread softly in your comments. Di man dem cyaan forget bokkle an' stone field days...
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Big up to Harbour View and their supporters. I am sure this is a community effort and I hope other communities will take note. I noticed on their website that they also have cheerleaders. Yes, that is nice to see
Originally posted by Jahjesty: And just think that this is not their management's full-time job. Can you imagine if they were able to do this as their real profession. That's the type of obstacle that a pro league infrastructure would eliminate or at least minimize.
It would; but this is one of a handful of football clubs that are actually football clubs and not an extension of an area's political machine. Jerry and company have done a marvellous job. I can't help but wonder if they could have done the same sort of job if they had the political machinery of say an Arnett or Tivoli to deal with. Portmore is also succesful, but they have had the chance to benefit form JFF largesse when the baker was in power.
Interesting points Toucan. However, history have shown us many a football clubs whose following and backing have strong political links. Clubs like Rangers/celtic, Real Madrid/Barcelona, and River Plate/Boca Jrs. comes readily to mind.
The persons responsible for Harbour Views' suggest story must be commended and their work shows what can be achieve with a little hard work and effort.
Brush... A you dat?? A likkle hard work and effort.. Thats all we ask... Thats all..
Its just a shame people like Juredini cant get the job of JFF presi... Just a shame.
I agree with Nacimento. The JFF should have more of a leadership role.. I wonder why they dont..
I mean, a tax inspector or tax collector... We probably could forgive him or feel sorry for him if he couldn't run it.. But a proven business man, that couldn't do the same as jureidini... Thats bad..
So do you or anyone know if there is any truth to Shatta's allegations.. Was he the guy the JFF leadership was vexed with over 10% ???
But anyway Jagga. I was just enquiring... Did you get a chance to visit Portmore United.. It would be nice to have a tour and report and insight in how they run things there..
I mean it just cannot be the same set up as the JFF, but then again...??????????
Maybe Senor Analyst and my yute deh from up at Village can give us an insight on how they do things in the North West.
Maybe Mr. Jureidini can open up a tourist section... A Harbour View shop or something.. I mean.. Where else will we be able to buy two jersey and tek two picture wid the cheer girlz... Maybe some bibi memorabilia......
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They make the world so hard
jt, I never got a chance to visit any of the other clubs. I must say that Jureidini and company was very accommodating and down to earth. Another thing that struck me was how proud the lady taking care of the facilities was. You could feel the pride as she spoke. They are also planning to have a throphy room and to do more marketing.
