Saint Lucia’s national men’s goalkeeper, Vino Barclett, a Vieux Fort native, continues to give back to the development of his hometown – this time through a soccerama tournament.
Barclett, currently on summer break from his club duties with back-to-back Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier SC, remains committed to using his platform for the betterment of his community.
Last weekend’s tournament at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds featured a six-a-side format, with each team allowed to register a maximum of 10 players. The wider Vieux Fort community was invited to attend, with children admitted free of charge and entertained with a range of child-friendly activities. When the final whistle blew, Cutter’s emerged victorious, defeating KOS 1-nil to claim bragging rights and a cash prize of EC$2,000.
The event was sponsored in partnership with Danny Butcher and Cutter’s Bar.
In an interview with St Lucia Times, Barclett explained that the soccerama was part of his broader mission to help revitalise the community.
“In my years growing up, Vieux Fort was one of the top communities in sports,” he said. “[However], Vieux Fort has been down for too long. So my goal is to bring Vieux Fort back to the top by hosting community-bonding events that can bring people together so we can return to where we’re supposed to be.
“This activity, I feel, will bring people together. For example, during Carnival, I was so impressed by how everyone, including gang members, worked together. It brought joy to my heart. That inspired me to host an event where we could have fun through football.”
Barclett believes that sports, particularly football, can serve as a meaningful outlet for young people, not just to escape difficult circumstances but to contribute to their communities.
“I’m a footballer and have been playing my whole life. Football was my way out. So I believe that the youth – those in the generations after me – can use me as inspiration and follow in my footsteps.”
