The beginning of the preliminary matches in the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship have created a buzz in Montego Bay, and throughout the island, as well as online.

Technology has given sports fans the ability to be present at the matches through the social-media site Facebook. Claro, sponsor of the CONCACAF Under-17 tournament, has been giving their over 10,000 facebook fans updates on the matches, as well as on the ground coverage through their Club Claro Facebook page.

Those who want immediate coverage of sporting events are now able to view hundreds of photos of the games, and status updates regarding the atmosphere in the stadium, as though they were there themselves.

$13-million sponsorship

Claro has found a way to optimise their $13-million sponsorship of the regional tournament by also providing their loyal online following with not only up-to-date stats of the matches, but additional bonuses. Claro has arranged a 'Get to know the Jamaican team' series of videos which will be uploaded over the course of the tournament. These short online videos will permit Club Claro fans more friendly moments with the Under-17 team, enabling them to listen to the boys and hear an insider's perspective of the hardships and joys that come along with representing your country.

"We wanted Jamaica to have the opportunity to get to know these young men, the way we are," stated Latoy Williams, Claro's media manager.

"It is not an easy task they have ahead of them, and enabling Jamaica to see them in a more personal light should encourage even more support of the national team," Williams concluded.