In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, the nation is grappling with widespread devastation. The death toll has risen to 32, and the impact has been felt deeply across the island, including by the Mount Pleasant Football Academy. The club’s sporting director, Paul Christie, revealed that their training facility and Drax Hall Sports Complex suffered significant structural damage due to fallen trees and light poles. Despite these challenges, the team is preparing for the second leg of their Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinal against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, rescheduled to November 5 after the original date was postponed due to the hurricane. Mount Pleasant holds a commanding 5-1 lead from the first leg, but Christie emphasized that the upcoming match now carries a deeper significance. ‘This game is about showing the resilience of our people,’ he said, highlighting the need for normalcy amidst the crisis. The club has launched a donation drive to aid affected communities, particularly in St Ann and St Elizabeth, and has encouraged fans to contribute to relief efforts. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach, Devorn Jorsling, sees the match as an opportunity to unite the island through football. Despite their slow start in the TTPFL season and a significant deficit in the tie, Jorsling remains optimistic, stating, ‘Nothing is impossible in football.’ The Caribbean Cup’s top three teams will qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding further stakes to the encounter.