Old Harbour football academy recognizes young stars

Saturday’s inaugural dinner and award ceremony at Kaluga Kafe in Old Harbour marked the beginning of what is set to become an annual tradition to celebrate the heart, growth, and promise of the academy.

The Life of Love Football Academy was founded in October 2021 by Obryan Leighton, a business account manager at Digicel Jamaica and People’s National Party (PNP) Councillor Caretaker for the Old Harbour Central Division. The idea came after Leighton’s recovery from a broken ankle that he suffered in July of that same year while playing football in the Old Harbour Glades community playfield, the same field his young players now use a training ground. 

He saw an opportunity to start a football programme aimed at youth development and approached community member Tyrese Allen, who gathered 15 boys between the ages of 5 and 19 to train on Saturday mornings. Today, the academy has grown to over 40 registered players, many of whom represent their schools and local clubs at the major league level. 

The programme is free of charge and is not limited to boys, with two female players already a part of the academy. The players occasionally receive treats and gifts donated by Leighton’s colleagues at Digicel Jamaica. Beyond football, the academy serves as a support system, especially for boys from single-parent households or rival communities, offering mentorship, structure, and a rare sense of unity in Old Harbour.

“I don’t see what I am doing as just a football programme but as me championing the cause and saving lives,” said Leighton. “I am very proud of the players and I believe they deserve to be awarded and know that we appreciate their efforts. We have grown from strength to strength to get to where we are this evening.”  

The event unfolded with laughter and excitement as Leighton, serving as host, opened with a series of engaging activities that set the tone for the celebration. Among the guests were their assistant coach, Jovonti Scott and PNP Member of Parliament Candidate and the event’s main sponsor, Dr. Kurt Waul, who brought greetings and words of encouragement. But one of the most memorable moments came from Adrian Samuda, owner of Kaluga Kafe, who delivered a unique lesson in table etiquette. 

Seated on a stage with his own plated meal, Samuda walked the boys through table manners which included how to sit properly, use a napkin, and eat confidently with a knife and fork. It was a scene of transformation, as boys more accustomed to chasing balls across grass now sat upright, learning the language of fine dining. The players enjoyed a three-course meal, complete with soup, entrée, and dessert, before receiving certificates of participation and special awards which were decided by peer voting. The pride in the room was palpable, not just from the boys, but from the mentors and guests who had gathered to honour them.

Among those proudly seated at the event was Mario Miller, affectionately called ‘Skipa’, the academy’s very first captain. Having been with the programme from its earliest sessions, Miller has watched it grow, just as he has grown with it. “It’s a very good experience to be around the kids and watch them play football while they grow,” he shared. “It gives me joy to see how competitive they are, which motivates me. If our leader continues to put out the hard work and the players continue to be disciplined, this academy will go a far way.”

That same spirit of discipline and growth is embodied by two of the academy’s standout members: Alexzavier Bailey and Kaldane McCalla, both of whom have carried the academy’s values into their school careers at Glenmuir High. Bailey, recruited while still in primary school, went on to captain the Glenmuir’s Under-14 team to a rural championship title and represented Jamaica at the Under-15 level in a victorious Caribbean tournament. McCalla, another promising talent, was recognised as the academy’s “Most Improved Player” during the awards ceremony — an honour that came with a tablet sponsored by Dr. Waul. He contributed to Glenmuir’s success in the Under-14 schoolboy football competition.

In just four years, the academy has made its mark in several local youth tournaments, consistently earning recognition for discipline and team spirit. From early runner-up finishes to awards for outstanding conduct, the academy has built a reputation rooted in sportsmanship and growth. 

“We pride ourselves on those accomplishments... in self-discipline, team discipline; and these are things we try to instill in the players. A number of our players have matriculated from the academy and playing in teams like Old Harbour United where they won Division One in St. Catherine two years ago and competed very well in the [St Catherine] Major League,” said Leighton. 

Looking ahead, Leighton hopes to expand the academy’s impact by welcoming sponsors and donors who share in the vision. His goal is to eventually monetize the programme to sustain its growth and provide better equipment. Additionally, Leighton hopes to receive educational support for players in need to ease the burden for struggling families and creating even more opportunities for the young talents of Old Harbour. 

Saturday’s dinner was more than just a celebration — it was a statement of purpose, a reminder of how far the academy has come, and how much further it hopes to go.