A number of posts on this forum suggest places players should look for pro deals. However no one seems to realize that players don't decide where they go, until they've been somewhere else, and made a name for themselves. Shelton may have made a mistake on his second move, but he made the right start.
My suggestion would be to start an agency in JA, that aligns itself with upcoming local academies and clubs like Lyn Oslo, Sporting Club Braga, Vitória de Setúbal, Marítimo, Bronby, Malmo and a few other second tier clubs, who fight for the UEFA qualifying spots. These clubs are generally good clubs known for developing youth, also partner up with the top clubs in Serie B, Ligue 2 and Segundo Liga. These clubs want good players cheap to help them with promotion, currently there is no agency like that in JA or the Caribbean.
I would not suggest this agency align itself with other agencies for obvious reasons, it should be completely professional, above board, nothing shady and most of all, it should be player focussed. All agents should be bonded and licensed as per FIFA regulations, this is easier than you would think. It should also target the best our Manning & DaCosta Cups have on offer, Jamaica has no restrictions on amateurs having agents. Then educate these youngsters through seminars on what it means to be professional footballers, then host mini camps with special guest coaches from well known clubs. All with the intention of preparing these youth for trials over the summer while they are out of school, the best time for a player to get picked up in Europe is as a youth.
Jamaica and the Caribbean represent the second largest untapped player pool in the world. If what I suggest is adopted by someone with the financial resources, who is dedicated to the betterment of Jamaican football, in ten years we will be a regular feature of the second & quarter finals of the World Cup.
What say you all?
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