PREES RELEASE: The Executive, members and supporters of the Vempers Sports Athletic Dramatic Club (VSADC), bid farewell to Stephen “Coolie” Darling, and extend deepest condolences to his family and friends. The lifeless body of Coolie as he was affectionately called was found on 30 June 2026, at his residence in Ciceron, Castries. The news of his untimely demised came as a surprise within the VSADC membership, his friends and the community of Ciceron.
Coolie was born in Jetwin, Choiseul. He moved to Castries as a teenager with his family and lived in the Marchand community, where he first played with the City Strickers Football Club. Coolie played one season with City Strickers and then joined VSADC in the early 1980s. Upon joining VSADC he changed residence to Conway, where he had the opportunity to improve his football skills on the Gardens Court, hang around the number of Irations (Ital cook shops) and flourish his dreadlocks. Coolie played his first season with VSADC in the Veterans Youth tournament organized by Oliver “Smokey Charles and Patrick “Pataco” Phillip, in 1980 and 81. From then on, he established his position as a solid central defender and represented VSADC in all divisions.
Coolie was a permanent fixture in the dominant VSADC defense, playing alongside Desmond “Stone” Peirre, Micheal “Jah Youth” Raymond, Martin “Carmen” Alexender, Christopher “Dorson” Lamontagne, Jessy Edgar and later came Sean Kirton, Davidson “Weng Weng” Belizaire, Menrad Bathelmy, Kent Weekes and Jetho Sifflet.
Taking care of business at the back between the bars was VSADC fearless and talented goalkeeper Austin Prospere.
both standing in back row at far end, with Stephen “Coolie” Darling standing in back row forth from right.
The engine of the team was in the midfield, controlled by the skipper Trevor “Flecky” Anderson, Victorin “Gousha” Weekes, Garvin Sifflet, Henry “Jackson” Prospere, Lawrence Roach, Alvin ‘Slachapee” Lewis, Titus Jn Baptiste and Peter “Gobrown” Prospere (before leaving for overseas studies).
The power force up front and goal scoring machine was Irvin “Baboy” Hippolyte, assisted by Michael “Bock” Jn Baptiste, Neri “Vale” Gilbert, Gilroy ‘Apa” Mitchel and later Roger “Raskey” Celestine, Beara Blasse and Gee Fred.
This dominant and formidable squad all benefited and were influence in some way from their teammate Stephen “Coolie” Darling. Coolie always look out for his teammates on the field of play, passed on his energy and competitive spirit to the team and was a motivator who would lead the aggression at training sessions.
Coolie was coached by two of the best technical and tactical coaches, Albert “Vasso” St. Croix and Stewart Charles. Hubert “Jack” Pierre dealt with the mental and psycho preparation of the players. In this era of VSADC dominance in local and regional football, the club boasted having ten players on the St. Lucia National team including Coolie.
During the 1980s and 90s players were allowed to play for more than one club outside of their club league. Coolie took the opportunity since he had no stable employment at the time, was on the demand from several clubs around the island and so became a top franchise player. He played for Cariblue Hotel in the Gros Islet League, Zenon Minglers in the Soufriere League, Napa Giants in the Laborie League, as well as clubs in the Marchand and La Clery Leagues. Coolie had a strong connection during his stint with Napa Giants, a fan favorite and so represented Laborie at Inter District and Mackeson tournaments.
Due to his defensive ability, physical fitness, determination and consistency Coolie was called up for trials and gain selection on the St. Lucia National Football squad for the Shell Caribbean Cup, He has travelled throughout the region playing football with his club VSADC and the St. Lucia National Team.
Upon his retirement from competitive club football, Coolie played veterans football like his other VSADC teammates, but he bowed out early because of his employment. He worked with Cox and Company for several years, as a baggage handler on the seaport at the Express Deslles ferry terminal.
Please be informed that, the celebration of the life of our brother, soldier and teammate Stephen “Coolie” Darling will be held on August 27th, 2026, at 2:30pm at the Minor Basilica Roman Catholic Church in Castries, after which his body will be cremated at the Rambally Funeral Parlour, La Tourney, Vieux Fort.
VSADC sympathizes with his family and beloved friends in their time of sorrow. Goodbye Coolie fly high Rasta man, may you have a safe passage to Zion as you rest in power.
Best Regards in Sports:
From the executive, members and supporters of VSADC