Bucknor seek image change in Jamalco Open Netball
The Jamalco Open Netball League resumes tomorrow at the Mineral Heights Complex following a break for the Easter holidays.
One team looking to make their presence felt and bring joy to their community is the Bucknor-based team of Central Clarendon. Firstly, they have registered the team with a new name. They are now ‘Prime’, short for Prime Time Girls, which was among the mooted titles during their team discussion. This name change is significant to them, according to wing player Tania Hyman.
“We wanted to use another name to shift the focus from the image of the community,” she told The Gleaner following their participation at the opening rally two weeks ago. Bucknor has long had a negative image in terms of crime in Clarendon, and even though there has been much improvement, the perception affects positive initiatives like netball.
A second change for them is their team colour. Traditionally, they play in green. They have now shifted this to yellow, which they believe gives a fresh look and perspective.
At present, most of what they achieve is the result of bonding together and doing things for themselves. For example, the coaching is done by team captain Tamoy Latty.
Hyman explains how they get equipment or get to matches.
“We don’t have a sponsor, “she emphasises. “We use money from our pockets, and for those who can’t afford it, we seek donations on the road.”
She admits that while this is commendable, it is definitely not a sustainable method.
“We know that. We can’t get any sponsors, so we do what we do on our own.”
Until help comes, the plan is to motivate themselves to give of their best each time they step on to the court.