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Hyde calls for abandonment of 2025 schoolboy football season
November 12, 2025
As organisers continue to grapple with the decision to restart the suspended 2025 schoolboy football season after the devastation caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, one highly respected coach, Lenworth Hyde of Dinthill Technical, is calling for the entire season to be scrapped.
Hyde insists focus should be placed on restoration and relief efforts, rather than playing football.
An emotional Hyde told STAR Sports that the season should be abandoned as too many lives have been lost and too many families are still lacking basic necessities, for youngsters to be focusing playing football at this time. Yesterday the Government announced that the confirmed death toll in Jamaica resulting from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 45.
Hyde argued that because those in the eastern sections of the island did not face the destruction those in the west did, so it is easier for them to move on. He insists that rebuilding should be the first priority for all.
"I feel it for the people on that side of the island, as I am very emotional about these things," he said while pointing to The Manning's School, St Elizabeth Technical and Cornwall College.
"A lot of these kids have lost their places and families, so how can they think about football now. Some are saying that football will take your mind off the troubles but I am not like that. I don't think it will make anyone better. I am thinking about getting the country back up and running. We will have next year and the other year and the other year," he said.
Hyde pointed to Kingston College's gesture, where that Manning Cup team went to St Elizabeth Technical to help with clean-up efforts last weekend, and said it's deeds like those that are needed at this time.
"The schools not affected should get together and help out the other schools that are affected. Right now some people remain stranded and still have nothing. They are isolated with no form of help so now is a time for everybody to rally and help."
Although schools in the Corporate area suffered minimal damage from the hurricane, and there would be no issues completing the Manning Cup season, Hyde believes the urban area competition should be cancelled in solidarity with their rural counterparts.
Nevertheless, he disclosed that the members of his management team are eager to resume training and playing.
"Other teams are in training. Teams are even playing practice matches. I have not done nothing as yet. My management team has been urging me but I am still kind of reluctant," Hyde said.
