Saint Lucia launches Semi-Professional Football League to empower youth

This long-awaited Semi-Professional Football League was the vision and legacy of President Lyndon Cooper and his Executive. Local-based footballers will soon be paid to play, and this has been the dream for generations of Saint Lucia's best players.

Monday, 29th January 2024

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre and Minister Kenson Casimir along with other officials during the launch ceremony. (PC - Facebook)

The Government of Saint Lucia launched the Semi-Professional Football League, which would employ young football players. This long-awaited Semi-Professional Football League was the vision and legacy of President of the Saint Lucia Football Association Lyndon Cooper and his Executive.

Local-based footballers will soon be paid to play, and this has been the dream for generations of Saint Lucia's best players.

During a ceremony on Friday, the League was launched, marking a huge milestone for the island. Notably, it will open officially on March 3, 2024, at Mindoo Philip Park.

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre in his 2023/24 Budget Address, announced that his administration would launch the Semi-Professional Football League, which would employ young football players, and on Friday night, he had the pleasure of witnessing this dream come true. PM Pierre aimed to provide opportunities to the Saint Lucians who have the potential to become world-class athletes. He said, "In my years in communities, I have seen immensely talented sportsmen and women who, if provided with the right opportunities and resources, could be world-class athletes."

This League will ensure that players who make the necessary sacrifices can be adequately compensated with the aim of being recruited by international football scouts.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir and his team for giving this vision life. The Saint Lucia Football Association had been working to establish this League for many years, but faced financing hurdles given FIFA's strict policies. The Semi Professional Football League features the top 19 teams on island, based on current standings.

The teams are listed in two tiers, the Premier League and the Super League and the players on the top 10 teams in the Premier League will be paid $200 per game. According to the information, all teams in the League will receive a monthly training grant.

The top two teams in the Super League will advance to the Premier League each season, while the two bottom teams in the Premier League will be relegated.

The League will help strengthen local-based players, increasing the pool of quality players available for national selection.