Crenston Boxhill - File

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) yesterday signed a contract with Lovel Smith Construction Company to begin building the National Football Academy on September 25.

The academy will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will include the administration office, dormitories, a sick bay and kitchen and dining area at a contractor's cost of approximately $23 million. However, the JFF has a budget of $25 million.

Construction on the first phase will take about six months and therefore should be completed by March 25, 2007.

The second phase comprises four playing fields, changing areas for teams and officials and a pond for irrigating the fields.

The construction of the academy is made possible by a grant from FIFA under its Gol Project. The US$400,000 grant will only cover the cost of the first phase and JFF president Crenston Boxhill said the federation will apply for another grant for the second phase.

Boxhill called yesterday's signing the biggest capital investment made in the JFF's history.

"I will have two proud moments because of this academy." said Boxhill. "The first is today with the signing of the contract and the second will be when I cut the ribbon welcoming the first set of players to the academy."

The three-acre lot where the academy will be built in Malvern, St. Elizabeth was purchased by the JFF earlier this year for $22 million. The lot where the playing fields will be set up is owned by the Munro Trust and Boxhill said the JFF has to conclude negotiations with the Munro Trust before any work can begin.

Yesterday's signing was done in six copies. Quantity surveyor Michael Robinson said two copies will go to FIFA, one to the JFF, he will keep one and the contractor, Lovel Smith, will also have a copy, while one will be saved for future reference.