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Chapelton Maroons bring 12th man into play - Clarendon club now playing JPL matches on home turf in community
August 26, 2025
For the first time since Chapleton Maroons were promoted to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) in the 2023-24 season they have the advantage of really playing at home. And on Sunday, they made the most of it when they took on and defeated Tivoli Gardens FC 2-1 at Turners Oval in the Chapelton community.
Chapelton's manager Craig Butler said that since the Clarendon club was acquired by Phoenix Academy earlier this month, it has been a prime objective of club President Kaycie Butler to have games in the community, so the team can feel the atmosphere and motivation that comes from a home crowd.
"It was the brainchild of the President, Kaycie Butler. She wanted everybody to be unified. She wanted a 12th man, she wants a strong, unified team, fighting for every tackle, every goal, every opportunity and to work hard together to perform well in this league," Craig shared.
"We have a very good blend of maturity and youth and we want to have a strong, full stadium every home match, so when we play at Chapelton we feel the support of the fans."
Chapelton Maroons, he said, wanted their first home game to be a big occasion, and to encourage the community to turn out in full force. And free access was afforded to all spectators.
"The president asked that for the opening game we do not charge any admission fee at all. We wanted it to be open to the public," Craig said.
"Chapelton is a beautiful town with beautiful people and we're looking forward to a great time."
Chapelton beat Tivoli Gardens FC 2-1 on a double strike from veteran forward Levaughn Williams.
Craig said it was important to start the season on a high.
"It was a nice battle. Duckie (Donovan, Chapelton's head coach) is also exceptional at what he does. We expected a great game from Tivoli and it was exciting having the fans in the stands, and to go out and make our presence felt," he said.
"We went for it with everything. We just wanted the fans to be with us, because we need the fans. We can't play without them, so we were really looking to have everybody out," he admitted.
He also has full confidence in coach Duckie to continue delivering good results over the season.
"I am looking to support Duckie and the coaching staff and follow the direction of my president, who is leading the way. Duckie is a great coach. He is more tired than the players when training is finished because he works so hard," Craig pointed out.
"We are really excited about that fire burning in the hearts of every man when the players go on the field to represent us. We are very prepared for the season," he added. "The team is gelling well and we are looking forward to a great season."
