PLANS are afoot to establish a semi-professional football league, in Saint Lucia, after some lengthy discussions on the issue.
Stakeholders say this venture is expected to provide a pathway for the development of young footballers and the ultimate enhancement of communities and lives across the island.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports in partnership with the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA).
The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League will be jointly funded for three years by the Government of Saint Lucia and the SLFA, in the first instance, providing an opportunity for players, staff and administrators to operate in a professional manner. The SLFA is counting on this project to revolutionise football on the island, and to position Saint Lucia as a football powerhouse in the Caribbean region.
There are several strategic objectives of the League including the attainment of strong corporate partnerships – and other proposed development training and marketing initiatives to advance the process of becoming a sustainable industry for professional football on the island.
As an autonomous body, the new entity will initially comprise all 19 district leagues that are affiliated to the SLFA. To date, with financial assistance from the SLFA, all 19 district leagues have transitioned from non-profit sporting organization to facilitate incorporation for participation in the semi-professional league.
Operations will be centralised and operated by the St. Lucia Semi-Professional Football League.
Project Manager and Business Strategist Francis Daniel has been appointed Manager of the new entity and is charged with the responsibility of managing the semi-professional league.
The launch of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League is scheduled for early January 2024, with the first tournament expected to kick-off during the first three months.