Saint Lucia is preparing to host the 2025 CONCACAF Congress, which commenced with a media launch Thursday (March 6). The formal congress and conference will be on March 15 and 16.
Over 250 delegates are expected to arrive on the island for this crucial international event, which is poised to significantly impact the future of football in the CONCACAF region.
Some of the biggest names in regional and international football will gather in Saint Lucia come next weekend.
Several local agencies have collaborated to plan for the upcoming congress. Dr. Uralis Delaire, Chair of the Local Organising Committee and acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, announced that Saint Lucia will also host the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Congress.
She expressed that the ministry is pleased to be hosting the CONCACAF Congress in partnership with the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc.
Dr. Delaire highlighted that Saint Lucia is the first regional state to host a CONCACAF Congress. In addition to the delegates, the event will attract visiting presidents and general secretaries of affiliate leagues.
“We are expecting many important figures from the football community to be on the island, including the FIFA President,” she stated.
CONCACAF is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south.
Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the importance of hosting such a prestigious event in a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) like Saint Lucia.
“This event showcases our government’s commitment and positions us as a prime choice for CONCACAF to recognize our capability to host the congress,” he stated.
He added, “Our strategic logistics and advancements in sports development through collaborations with the Saint Lucia Football Association underscore our readiness. Hosting these delegates is a logical choice. In addition, we not only offer stunning natural beauty but also a vibrant nightlife.”
He highlighted the groundwork laid for sports development on the island, particularly in football, evidenced by the launch of the inaugural Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL).
Casimir also discussed the collaborative efforts with SLFA President Lyndon Cooper, reinforcing the talent development pipeline through the expertise of former national players and professionals like Stewart Charles-Fevrier and Earl “Ball Hog” Jean, who are dedicated to nurturing young talent from schools and grassroots programmes.
He reiterated the vision of preparing “semi-professional players for opportunities on a global scale.” The sports department is enthusiastic about ongoing developments, including upgrades to several playing facilities, all geared towards advancing the sport.
“I look forward to CONCACAF experiencing our facilities firsthand and contributing to ensuring our development continues positively,” he asserted.
With football emerging as a dynamic industry within local sports circles, there is a clear opportunity to professionalise the game.
Sports analysts point out that the benefits extend beyond economic returns, fostering a deeper sense of purpose through effective management practices, including accounting, physiotherapy, nutrition, coaching, and training in this flourishing sector.
The upcoming CONCACAF Congress will undoubtedly expand opportunities for football development in Saint Lucia, positioning the island for future advancements.