WESTERN SPORTS - Rio Bueno getting solid backing from Tank-Weld

WESTERN BUREAU:

It is a rare sight to see a woman being involved at managerial level in the sport of football locally. But that is what Petra Ricketts has been doing for the past 10 years as president of Rio Bueno FC.

The Trelawny-based club is in the race for the hotly contested Division One title and with it a chance to play in the parish Major League next season. But for Ricketts, her ambition and that of her club's rest in the highest football league in the land, the Red Stripe Premier League.

Getting on to that stage for now is a dream, as their home ground is in need of special attention, with the Trelawny FA hinting at a boycott of the facility if improvements are not made before the start of the next season.

Supporters, players and club officials need not worry, however, as talks are said to have been at an advanced stage between metal products giant Tank-Weld and the club about the refurbishing of the field at the community centre, which they call home.

Sponsorship

"There are ongoing discussions between us and Tank-Weld on the matter because we would like to keep playing here, but the entire compound is in need of serious repairs," said Ricketts.

Tank-Weld Metals has its super warehouse on the sprawling 30-acre property that also includes a wharf and is Rio Bueno FC's lone sponsor.

According to the club president, representation has also been made to the Jamaica Public Service for the redirection of its high-power cables, which runs the full length of the field's northern ridge. These and the erection of perimeter fencing are under discussions with Tank-Weld.

In the meantime, Ricketts and her club are asking supporters to stay the course and help realise the dream.

Big ambitions

"This is a struggling club, we are not alone in that regard, but we fancy ourselves for being a strong club and we have big ambitions like winning the Division One title, moving successfully into the Major League, and ultimately have a stake in the Premier League," she said.

"The plan to have Tank-Weld working on our field is talk in progress, but even with that we feel that when that is done we will have a lovely field, one that is fenced can only be a good thing for the community and the club.

"I know for a fact that it will take millions of dollars to get this done, but we stand ready with our sponsor Tank-Weld so that in the end we all benefit," added Ricketts.

Rio Bueno are currently second in Zone A of their division, two points adrift Upsetters in the race to the semi-finals.

- P.C.