2 weeks ago
6
IN A bid to capitalise on Brand Jamaica and to fuel further fan engagement online, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), in collaboration with Kingston Made Production, has announced plans to leverage its YouTube channel ‘JFFLIVE’ to broadcast live games of the various national teams.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, JFF general secretary Dennis Chung welcomed the initiative as a new venture which promises improvement for the federation and football in Jamaica.
“We’re happy to announce an exciting venture that we have with the objective to monetise the JFF brand and our YouTube channel. We recognise the power of social media and the fact that we have to connect with our fans,” he said.
The venture was spearheaded by Kyle Wallace, president of the Reggae Boyz Supporters Club, and Gario Graham, founder of Kingston Made Production.
The initiative saw its first production as the JFF livestreamed the Reggae Girlz pair of international friendlies against South Africa played at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex on Friday and yesterday.
Wallace explained when he was made aware that broadcasters were not interested in carrying the friendlies locally or internationally, he saw a window of opportunity.
“I was told no broadcasting entities wanted to broadcast the games locally or internationally for financial reasons, so I consulted with my contacts in the US, Canada and the UK for the need and how to implement this project,” he explained.
“We did a live broadcast – a dry run so to speak – to assess our capabilities of what is needed so we can put in a proper infrastructure for 2025. We’re doing this for the fans at home and in the diaspora and for the friends around the world who want to see our national teams play football, from the youth teams to the senior teams.”
Graham explained fans can anticipate major improvements in broadcasts starting 2025 as the initiative will benefit from increased resources.
“In 2025, we will have major improvement in all those areas. We have top-notch cameras to come in and showcase 4K quality all across the board and we will have drone aspects. But last Friday and yesterday’s game are examples of what our testing capabilities look like and how we can improve on them going forward.”
JFF president Michael Ricketts also welcomed the initiative as he stated it is a new avenue to explore for the federation.
He cited the 60,000 views during the livestream of the first friendly against South Africa as evidence of fan interest in YouTube live broadcasts.
“We are very excited and are looking forward to a sustainable relationship,” Ricketts stated.
“We continue to try and explore whatever opportunities that may present themselves so that we can have some sustainable income. As you may be aware, the JFF had done a broadcast of the Girlz game against South Africa and the broadcast accumulated views over 60,000 viewers.”
He continued, “We are a brand and we’re intent on getting things in the global space so that we can attract viewers and ensure that our football, and our diaspora, will have a connection.”
English (US) ·