Saint Lucian footballer Shamalyn Albert wrapped up a successful debut season in the Martinique Women’s Football League earlier this month, finishing as the top scorer for Avenir FC and leading all players in the season-ending football festival. The 30-year-old attacker from Choiseul told St Lucia Times she was delighted with her first campaign in the Liga de Fútbol Femenina de Martinique.
“My contact with the Avenir Football Club has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my football career,” she said. “I was a bit hesitant when I first heard about the opportunity, however my decision to grab it changed my life and career for the better.”
Albert was one of four Saint Lucian players to feature for Avenir this season, finishing with an impressive 19 goals in the league. Her contributions helped propel the team into title contention as the season progressed. Though they ultimately fell short, both Albert and the club expressed satisfaction with their campaign. She also shone in the football festival, netting three goals to claim the top scorer honour despite Avenir’s 2-0 quarterfinal exit.
“I am lucky enough to say that I had a strong bond with technical staff and teammates, from the very first day that I was introduced,” she mused. “Everyone loves my passion and determination. The support and words of encouragement received were exceptional, and this made me feel at home. Throughout the season with the club, my confidence on and off the field of play improved drastically.”
Tasked with leading the attack, Albert rose to the occasion, becoming Avenir’s top scorer and finishing sixth in the league’s overall scoring charts.
Albert’s scoring prowess is no surprise. In Saint Lucia’s 2023 Women’s League, she notched 14 goals for champions Soufriere and has also played for Black Eagles. Internationally, she provided four assists in four appearances for Saint Lucia during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Beyond playing, the La Fargue native has explored coaching and administration. She’s also weighing potential opportunities to play in Europe while considering a future in teaching, where she hopes to nurture young football talent in her community.
Wherever her career takes her next, Albert hopes her journey will inspire more Saint Lucian players to seek opportunities in Martinique, where the level of play surpasses what’s available domestically.
“I think my link with the new club has inspired many young ladies,” she said. “And I used the opportunity at hand to influence others. Most of the young footballers now are searching for opportunities like these. “However, with my connections and contacts now, I see it possible to foster cultural exchange and promote social change between Saint Lucia and the French territories. The more we play, the better we get.”
With Martinique just a short boat ride away, Albert sees a clear pathway for emerging talents to test themselves in a more competitive environment, and she’s eager to help pave the way.
