Since the inception of the Semi Professional League (SPFL), football in Saint Lucia has gained significant recognition.
The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. is now intensifying its developmental efforts to elevate the game.
During the SLFA’s Annual Congress last Saturday, President Lyndon Cooper emphasised the importance of synergy among different units to enhance overall league functions.
Cooper provided an overview of the structuring of the local football clubs stating that new strategies and interventions must be created to spur the development of the sport on island.
He said that 2024 will be a year of reflection and in 2025 take this organisation forward where programmes, infrastructure and competitions and national teams are concerned.
The SLFA will focus on governance structure improvements to better meet their responsibilities as one of FIFA’s 211 affiliate members. Additionally, the upcoming season will see changes in club competition formats to align with FIFA’s regulations, emphasizing youth and senior categories.
Cooper said the demands placed on Small Developing States, such as Saint Lucia within the FIFA organisation, “sometimes create doubt and misgivings in our ability to deliver or achieve all the objectives.
Cooper disclosed that a new format will be created for the club competitions, which are scheduled to begin in a few weeks.
He explained that due to the structure of the SPFL, it is imperative for the SLFA to design a new format for club competitions to attain the goals set out by FIFA.
According to FIFA requirements, a total of 90 matches are stipulated to be played over a 6-month span per year, to solidify and accentuate the status of the game, on island. This must include two youth age groups, two female age groups, and one male and female senior categories.
In addition, Saint Lucia is required to participate in a minimum of four international matches per year, within a cycle period inclusive of both genders in either the senior or junior leagues.
Cooper stressed that the SLFA’s affairs, including the hosting of competitions must at all times be compliant with the rules and regulations stipulated by FIFA – the world’s major governing football body.
He said the SLFA is looking forward to increase the number of matches played, as well as, create a greater presence in other activities to bolster the image of the league.
The SLFA president stated that more emphasis will be placed on the development of Women’s Football league on island. He said the SLFA will take steps to raise the profile of the female league.
The SLFA will also focus on building the female brand and to modify the format of play for females, so as to attract more participants to the game.
Interestingly, he said, a coaches’ forum will also be created to enhance the role of these technical personnel.
Commenting on the status of the SPFL, Cooper said, an assessment of the league will ensue to assure that the league grows exponentially and the funds and rewards are distributed equitably among its 19 affiliate members.