All reports and other documents were unanimously approved by the Congress when the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. held its 33rd Ordinary Congress on Saturday 5th September 2020 at the Conference Room of the Government Financial Centre situated in Pointe Seraphine.
This Congress was originally set to take place in March but had to be rescheduled because of the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The morning session – the Open one, saw video tributes to two of the SLFA fallen brethren Andre Ryder Charlery, former president of the Micoud Football League and Mac Millan Medard former Referee’s Coordinator – SLFA. This was followed by the president’s address which centred among other things on the need for Clubs to be D Licence compliance or be prepared to bite the bullet.
In his address mention was made of the intensifying of Women’s football on the island accompanied by an increased budget. It is also the intention to appoint an Assistant Technical Director with sole responsibility for Women and Girls football as this remains a top priority for 2020 – 2021 and beyond. Work has already commenced in the recruitment of the said personnel.
It was noted that in addition to the EC $20,000 allocation dispensed to the Leagues they will benefit from an additional EC$8,000.00 as part of the COVID – 19 Relief Fund, however, it was stressed that recipients will be held accountable for all monies received and spent.
The President then went on to give a detailed presentation on the coming on stream of the semiprofessional football league. Emphasis will continue to focus on the continued development structure of the institution in order to be able to be fully compatible.
It was revealed that the Government of Saint Lucia had acquired seven acres of land which will be utilized for the construction of a hostel adjacent to the Technical Centre in Grande Riviere – Dennery. When completed the project will comprise of a 400 meters running track and adequate parking facilities for all.
The Closed Session chaired by President Cooper featured the presentation of reports and documents to the members for their ratification and approval as mandated by the Association’s constitution. The audited statement was also presented with the auditor on hand to provide clarification if needed.
Suffice to say all reports and other documents were unanimously approved by the Congress.
The session also provided members with a PowerPoint presentation of the structure of the Men’s senior competitions namely the Premier and Super League which is a blueprint for the proposed semi-professional league. This generated some worthwhile and interesting discussion which resulted in the said format getting the nod. A first-round draw was made for the two aforementioned tournaments.
Following the conclusion of the Congress, a presentation of Laptops was made to selected youth footballers as part of the FIFA COVID – 19 Support Programme. A similar presentation was done at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds (PMG) in Vieux Fort on Sunday 6th September.