BDFA 1st Division opening matches were postponed on Sunday due to the inundated pitch at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Photo credit: Ian Gaynair
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Premier League of Belize footballer and Belize District Football Association Executive Member Ian Gaynair has ignited a wave of public discussion after posting a strong message on Sunday calling for long‑overdue improvements to the Marion Jones Sports Complex, Belize City’s primary football venue. His comments came just hours after the BDFA First Division opening triple‑header was postponed due to an inundated pitch caused by a sudden early‑morning downpour.
Gaynair’s public plea for improved football facilities the Marion Jones has garnered overwhelming support from coaches, athletes, and fans who say the condition of the Marion Jones Sports Complex has been unacceptable for far too long.
Gaynair’s message struck a chord across the football community. His call for help was simple but powerful: Belize City’s athletes, especially its youth, deserve a field that can withstand even brief rainfall.
A message that struck a nerve
In his post, Gaynair emphasized that his intention was not to attack authorities but to highlight a problem that affects every level of football in Belize City. He wrote:
“How much longer do we, the people of the city, have to wait for just ONE stadium to be properly fixed so we can play football?
A long‑standing problem brought back into focus
Sunday’s postponement was particularly disappointing because Belize City had enjoyed several relatively dry days leading up to the scheduled matches. But the brief downpour shortly after 8:00 am was enough to saturate the pitch, forcing BDFA officials to call off the day’s games.
For many, Gaynair’s message captured a growing sentiment: that Belize City’s athletes deserve a reliable, weather‑resilient facility capable of hosting youth, amateur, and semi‑pro football without constant interruptions.
Coaches and athletes add their voices
Dale Pelayo, U20 Belize Men’s National Team Coach, said the issue goes beyond inconvenience—it affects development.
“The youths of this country are crying out. They need proper sporting facilities to train and to play competitive games, especially in Belize City … yes to better sporting facilities for our youths.”
Pelayo’s comment reflects a growing concern that inadequate infrastructure is holding back young players who need consistent training environments to progress.
Kent “Bob” Gabourel, all‑around sports athlete, criticized the lack of political action.
“So many politicians in the city and it’s a shame there’s not a good football stadium for the city footballer. Imagine how many millions invested in that place and it’s not useful in rainy weather—and awful in the dry.”
Gabourel’s frustration echoes a common sentiment: the Marion Jones facility has seen major investments but still fails to meet basic standards.
Veteran coach Jerome “Peel Off” Meheia expressed deep disappointment rooted in decades of waiting.
“Respect to all, but nothing will change. This is going on for years. From I was a little boy, work is going on at Marion Jones and the field is not complete. We as football lovers need to go to Belmopan and riot for the game we love. Work has been going on from Mr Price days and still the field is not complete. Come on Mr Briceño, we need you to hear our cry. Belize City needs your help.”
Meheia’s comment highlights the long history of stalled or incomplete upgrades at the complex.
Before the Marion Jones Sports Complex, the venue was known as the National Stadium and was used mainly for horseracing, cycling, and athletics. Football was played at the now practically forgotten MCC Grounds. When the Marion Jones was first constructed, the pitch had proper drainage, but years of inadequate maintenance have resulted in its current deteriorated condition.
BDFA 1st Division opening matches were postponed on Sunday due to the inundated pitch at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Photo credit: Ian Gaynair
Stef Ramclam Mangar, recalling a past experience, said the problem is not new.
“Two years ago a team from Toledo went to play there and it was terrible. We had to actually bail out water with buckets and electric pumps.”
Her comment reflects how drainage issues have repeatedly disrupted matches.
Said Perdomo offered a blunt suggestion:
“Stop have concert pan the field for a start!”
Non‑sporting events contribute to the deterioration of the playing surface.
A growing call for accountability
The volume and tone of the responses show that Gaynair’s message tapped into a long‑standing frustration shared across generations of footballers. While the BDFA has yet to comment on the broader concerns, the public reaction suggests that the condition of the Marion Jones Sports Complex is no longer seen as an isolated inconvenience—it is viewed as a barrier to the growth of football in Belize City.
For now, Gaynair’s post has become a rallying point, uniting youth coaches, national team staff, veteran players, and everyday fans in a single message: Belize City needs a reliable, properly maintained football facility.
The post Ian Gaynair’s call for an improved Marion Jones Sports Complex football pitch triggers strong public outcry appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
BDFA 1st Division opening matches were postponed on Sunday due to the inundated pitch at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Photo credit: Ian Gaynair By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Premier League of Belize footballer and Belize District Football Association Executive Member Ian Gaynair has ignited a wave of public discussion after posting a strong message on
The post Ian Gaynair’s call for an improved Marion Jones Sports Complex football pitch triggers strong public outcry appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
