General Manager of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), Andrew Price, has lauded the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) projects for providing added incentive to a cash-strapped local Premier League.

Every month CHEC, a major sponsor of the league, provides an outstanding player with a commemorative plaque and a $30,000 cash prize based on positive impact on an individual's team, disciplinary record, goals scored, and goal shutouts (goalkeepers). The CHEC also provides a coach award with $75,000 chosen every three months.

"The CHEC Starballer and CHEC coach award really act as an incentive for both players and coaches to work harder," Price said at the PLCA headquarters yesterday, where the company received a $10 million cheque from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the second installment of a $23 million sponsorship commitment made late last year.

quite impressive

"Everyone wants to cash in on this (incentive) and it is an achievement that looks quite impressive on resumes. One of last year's Starballers even said that the prize came at the right time as he had to be sorting out some personal matters. So it really drives players and enable them to better help themselves and their families," Price continued.

CHEC's Regional Communications Manager, Jennifer Armond, noted that her company was pleased to offer their support to further the growth and development of the sport.

"Football is a much loved sport in Jamaica, and as such we wanted to play our part in ensuring that this sport continues to thrive both locally and abroad. Not only is football recreational, but it provides the motivation for talented young men to work hard in an area that they truly love and enjoy."

This year, the format for the Red Stripe Premier League has been revamped to include semi-finals and finals. The top four teams will compete in the semi-finals, and two out of these four will advance to the finals scheduled to take place in May.