Jamaica  Premier  League  runners  up  Mount  Pleasant  is  among  11  local  clubs  preparing  to  participate  in  the  local  top  flight  competition  awarded  regional  licences   by  the  Jamaica  Football  Federation.

Champions  Cavalier  and  third  place  finishers  this  season  Arnett  Gardens  along  with  Dunbeholden FC, Harbour View FC, Montego Bay United FC,  Portmore United FC, Racing United, Tivoli Gardens FC, Vere United FC and Waterhouse  completes  the  list.

The  remaining 3 clubs  Chapelton Maroons FC, Humble Lion FC and Molynes United received domestic licenses, meaning they will not be eligible for the Caribbean Football Union  Caribbean  Shield  or the Concacaf Caribbean Cup if they finish in  the top three of the JPL standings at the end of the season. 

Each club was required to meet the minimum criteria outlined in the 2018 JFF Club  licensing regulations. 

This season’s achievement of awarding 11 regional licenses marks a significant increase from last season, when only four clubs – Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier SC, Harbour View and Mount Pleasant – received regional licenses. 

Club licensing, introduced by FIFA, is a key element in promoting the professionalization of football worldwide. 

This system is based on principles-driven criteria and establishes minimum standards that clubs must meet to obtain a license and participate in competitions.