Long-time coach, football administrator, educator, and community activist Emmanuel Bellas passed away on Tuesday morning. St. Lucia Times reported in early October that the Vieux Fort native had been ill. He would have turned 62 in December.
President of the Vieux Fort South Football League and coaching coordinator with the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), Bellas was one of the most successful coaches on island, guiding the Vieux Fort community team to multiple titles.
Recognised by the SLFA for multiple title wins with Vieux Fort South in recent years, Bellas had also worked with national youth and women’s teams, in addition to receiving certification as a FIFA coach instructor.
Outside of football, as a physical education teacher at Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, he helped develop the culture that had led the school to consistent success in athletics, helping mold stars like Natasha Poleon and Naomi London.
Former national player Earl ‘Ball Hog’ Jean expressed his feelings on Bellas’ passing. Jean, himself now a national youth coach, shared his sentiments via WhatsApp.
“My Heartfelt condolences to [Emmanulel’s son Mervin] Coco Bellas and his entire family and also the the entire football fraternity, also the teaching service,” said Jean. “The love, the passion for helping and educating young people in all aspects of life. A sad day for all of us. I did appreciate every conversation of strength, insight in all we spoke about while I was in Trinidad and here in Saint Lucia.”
Condolences are pouring in following Bellas’ passing. Earlier this year, he had accepted positions with the SLFA as well as Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
Photo: Emmanuel Bellas (Centre)
R.I.P. Coach B
You will be missed, Ballas, you were everything to the Youth in Vieux Fort and Family.
The SLFA Staff will Miss you Dearly.
Fly high Coach.