Plans are moving along towards the establishment of a Semi-Pro Football League [SPL], on the island, as key stakeholders involved in its formation chart out a way forward for the grand launching of the competition.
The SPL is an autonomous body set up by the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) and the Saint Lucia Football Association [SLFA] Inc. to professionalize the sport of football in the country. To this end, a CEO was appointed on December 01, 2023 to manage the operations of the SPL.
The launch of the SPL is scheduled for January 2024, with the actual start of the league scheduled for the subsequent month.
According to an SLFA spokesperson, the SLFA executive recently met with the Director of Youth and Sports Clivus Jules and the SPL’s CEO Francis Parry Daniel. Representatives from the 19 football districts were also present at the meeting.
Reports indicate that the meeting was “very informative and interactive”, and members were appraised of the SPL’s mechanisms.
Nonetheless, the organizers state, much is dependent on the launch, availability of venues and other event requirements to get the ball rolling.
The two-tier format of the Island Cup which consist of two divisions, namely; Premiere Cup and Super Cup will be used for the SPL, with the Premiere Cup being the top tier.
There are nine and 10 districts leagues respectively in the Premier and Super Divs., with the format entailing a single round robin in each tier (2024).
All 19 District League will participate in the 6-month long tournament.
Matches will be played across 4 venues initially, namely;
Dennery Playing Field, Phillip Marcellin Ground [PMG], Soufriere Mini Stadium and the Canaries Playing Field.
The historic Mindoo Phillip Park [MPP], at Marchand, the ‘original home-ground’ of football on the island is due to be included as the fifth venue this July.
According to reports, in the initial stages of the SPL, the SLFA and GOSL will provide funds and ultimately plans to attract major sponsorship over the next three years.
The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has a budgetary allocation of EC $364,000.00 to commence promotion, marketing, staffing, payment of stipends, conversion of district leagues and production of an operations plan.
Island Cup Update
The final preliminary round matches in the SLFA Inc. Island Premier Cup was due to be completed yesterday (Tuesday 9th January) at the Dennery Playing Field between Gros Islet and Canaries.
Meanwhile, the semifinals of the Premier Cup will take place on 16th January at the Dennery Playing Field, with the qualifiers, featuring; T2 vs. T3, and T1 vs. T4.
Matches are due to come start at 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm, respectively.
To date, La Clery top the standings with 25 points, followed by Dennery 24 points, Desruisseaux 20 points and Gros Islet 15 points.
In the meantime, the Soufriere Mini Stadium will stage the two respective leagues’ finals and third-place playoffs, this month.
On Saturday 20th January, Anse La Raye takes on Marchand at 6.00 pm in the Third Place Off, while at 8.00 pm Soufriere plays against Central Castries.
On Sunday 21st January, will feature the Third Place Play Off and Finals of the Premier Cup.