SPFL: Committed to Producing a Viable Product

As stakeholders gear up for Season 111 of the Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), the unit is actively expanding its outreach efforts and enhancing the visibility of the product.

The SPFL recently held its official Post Season II review in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation.

This event convened key figures, including Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation; Dr. Uralise Delaire, Chairperson of the SPFL; Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc.; and Dr. Natasha Innocent. CEO Francis Daniel contributed virtually, demonstrating the collective commitment to fortifying the semi-professional football landscape.

Cherry Ann Williams, the SPFL’s Marketing and Sponsorship Lead, delivered a compelling presentation on the Post-Season Marketing Report. Her insights illuminated the unit’s achievements, lessons learned, and its road-map for Season Three.

“Season Two was a crucial phase for us. We completed a full calendar, strengthened sponsor participation, and broadened our digital footprint,” Williams declared.

The SPFL secured sponsorship contributions exceeding EC$70,000, highlighted by activations such as the AKT Motorcycle giveaway.

Its marketing efforts generated weekly fixtures, matchday graphics, and highlight videos, attracting over 1.25 million views across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Our digital reach confirms that the SPFL is cultivating a robust fan base both locally and internationally. This visibility proves our product is not just viable but highly attractive to sponsors,” she asserted.

Williams emphasized the need for consistency in fixture management, stating, “Flexibility is necessary, but we must prioritize stability for marketing effectiveness. The differences across venues highlight the urgency for readiness standards, while enhancements in ticketing present opportunities for modern systems. We must transition from implied value to evidenced value. A well-maintained hub mitigates confusion and unlocks new revenue streams.”

Her report identified several untapped initiatives, including incentive-based ticketing, branded matchday promotions, and structured live-stream advertising, collectively estimated to generate recurring revenue of EC$27,000 over six months.

Looking forward, Williams laid out non-negotiable priorities: we will support sponsorship with activation plans and reporting dashboards; guide marketing by a formal calendar and SOPs; and assess venues against established minimum standards, ensuring marquee matches occur at top-tier facilities.

The SPFL is set to transform its digital platforms from mere reach to monetization, aiming for 550,000 Facebook views, 4,000 – 4,500 Instagram followers, and 3,500 – 4,000 YouTube subscribers.

The new initiatives include live-stream ad packages, watch-party programs, and monthly sponsor dashboards. Governance will be reinforced through structured financial reporting and evidence-based evaluation.

“Season Two definitively established the SPFL as a viable entity, gaining significant public interest. However, our sustainability hinges on structure. Season Three must focus on fixture stability, sponsor confidence, venue readiness, digital monetization, and governance reform. This is how we will position the League as a commercially mature national sporting product,” she concluded.