The St. Lucia Semi Professional Football League (SPFL) kicks off this weekend in what is expected to be the launch of an exciting second year.
On match day 1, home team Marchand will take on Laborie in Tier 2 at the Mindoo Phillip Park at 6pm. That match precedes the big 8pm Tier 1 matchup between Gros Islet, one of last year’s favorites, and South Castries, the surprise of Tier 2 last season.
This year several changes have been made, chief among them the addition of playing venues. The SPFL will now utilize 10 venues across the island, three of which are open nonpaying facilities. Also, unlike last year, Tier 2 will feature 10 teams with the inclusion of the National Under 20 team.
Head of the SPFL board, Francis ‘Parry’ Daniel says he is excited about this year’s tournament. The SPFL board, he says, has year one under their belt which serves as valuable experience going forward. One of the major areas being explored, according to Daniel, is the possible inclusion of a medical insurance component for Semi Pro participants.
Last year’s final in Tier 2 featured Castries South and Vieux Fort South, with the southern team coming out victorious. Tier 1 saw a keenly contested, controversial final between eventual winners La Clery and Central Castries whose only loss was that final game.