Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

Mayor of Portmore, Keith Hinds is calling for the building of the national football academy in Portmore.

He told the Portmore Municipal Council recently that it would be a better investment if the authority act on its original plans to build near the Portmore Town Centre.

"I see where all would stand to benefit more if the academy is built here as the players would have more access to the National Stadium," Hinds said.

He added that the building of the academy would add to the brand name of Portmore as the facility would have a cricket pitch, and also several rooms. "I don't mind if they build two music studios to deal with the great talent source," Hinds said.

To this end, the Mayor said that he had dialogue with technical director René Simoes and also president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Captain Horace Burrell, and that both warmed to the idea of building the academy in Portmore. In addition, Hinds said, the Reggae Boyz is a brand and that accessibility to Portmore would do well for the economy.

The only drawback, Hinds said, was the traffic situation. However, if the toll road is properly managed, then no major problem will occur.

Few years ago, the JFF proposed to build a football academy in Portmore under the Horace Burrell-led administration. This idea was shelved and construction started in St Elizabeth. Several persons has since called for the stoppage of that project.