Leighton Levy, Star Writer

More than 50 football players from clubs in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) recently got a first-hand opportunity to become familiar with social graces during a training session hosted by image consultant Laura Butler.

The players also learned how to resolve disputes and become leaders in their respective communities as the second phase of the Red Stripe Premier League Player Development Programme began at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.

The programme began in September as part of Red Stripe's focus on driving community and player development through meaningful contribution to the players. "No country or player can achieve their full potential without strong guidance and investment in the sporting arena," Blandine Paul-Reid, head of marketing at Red Stripe, told the assembled players.

"As such, the Red Stripe Premier League Development Programme was created as a means of closing the gap between local and international players."

The players were advised to develop their strengths, improve in their weaknesses, communicate effectively, and learn the history of the clubs they play for. They also learned etiquette and grooming during an interactive session that got off to a slow start, but eventually gained momentum once they became more comfortable with Butler and the material she presented.

Butler is the managing director of Fusion Consulting and has over 15 years' experience in the field of human resources and training and was pleased with how the players responded to the information.

"I am happy to see that they were extremely receptive. They were taking notes and were paying attention, which is very good. Initially, it wasn't so but as the information was presented, they recognised that to be a cut above the rest, to be serious about their careers playing professional football, they have to pay attention to these guidelines and apply them, because they are guaranteed to improve their lives significantly," she said.