Saint Lucian professional and national player Vino Bartlett has earned the esteemed title of Senior Footballer of the Year. Additionally, in a remarkable feat, Anicka Louis has secured the Senior and Junior Female Footballer of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Shevon Kerrson Byron, a promising young athlete studying in Jamaica, has rightfully been named the Junior Male Footballer of the Year.
The theme for last Saturday’s Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. Award and Recognition Ceremony was clear: Football teaches perseverance, hard work, participation, and an array of ethical characteristics.
During his keynote address, SLFA President Lyndon Cooper asserted that the organization is making significant strides through strategic investments and realistic targets. He emphasized that the SLFA is committed to its role as “pace setters” in the implementation of major projects aimed at elevating and developing the sport nationwide.
Cooper stressed the critical importance of coach education and certification as essential components for strengthening the national football structure and its related programs.
He announced that starting January 2026, certification will be mandatory for anyone involved in coaching or coach education. Failure to achieve certification will result in exclusion from the national setup and disqualification from receiving SLFA accolades.
Moreover, coaches working with minors must hold a Child Protection Certificate, which is readily available within the region.
Cooper highlighted the government’s substantial involvement in the Saint Semi-Pro Football League (SPFL), noting that the introduction of compensation demands that qualifications be upheld. He asserted that advancing the sport requires a strategic and scientific approach.
“To compete internationally, we must adopt a scientific mindset,” he declared.
In addition, the SLFA president unveiled plans to establish a dedicated body for promoting Women’s Football, a crucial step toward creating a fully equipped female technical unit for global female football.
Cooper took the opportunity to recognize the contributions from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and corporate sponsors towards the development and promotion of the sport in the country.
Clivus Jules, Director of Sports, underscored the necessity of holistic community support for the development of football in Saint Lucia. He urged the SLFA to continue pushing forward and adapting to emerging trends that will shape the future of the game.
The following individuals and organizations also received top awards:
– Club of the Year : Victory Eagles FC
– Administrator of the Year : Examin Philbert (F)
– Administrator of the Year : Shayne Paul GIFL (M)
– Coach of the Year : Shenelle Francis – Canaries Football League (F)
– Coach of the Year : Zayne Pierre – La Clery FC (M)
– Most Improved Football League of the Year : South Castries FL
– Football Referee Recognition Awards
– Lifetime Achievement Award
– Posthumous: Emmanuel Bellas
– Jennifer Gaston