As the year draws to a close, the eyes of the local sports fraternity are turning toward preparations for another alternative sports season. The season is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and focuses on non-traditional disciplines like car racing, BMX, chess, combat sports, and fishing with the aim of providing a platform for athletes outside mainstream sports like football and track.
This initiative, launched by the current administration, kicks off in December and runs through February.
In anticipation of this highly anticipated addition to the national sports calendar, ministry officials hosted a capacity-building seminar for alternative sports clubs and associations on September 13 at the Finance Administrative Centre in Pointe Seraphine.
St. Lucia Times spoke to Craig Gustave, Alternative Sports Officer at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, for insights on what motivated his team to host the seminar.
“The seminar was motivated by the growing demand for structure and sustainability in Saint Lucia’s alternative sports sector. Many clubs are filled with passionate members but often lack the organisational framework needed to grow,” Gustave revealed.
“Our core mission is to empower these clubs with the tools, knowledge, and governance practices they need to operate professionally, remain accountable, and expand opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike. It’s about shifting from passion-driven activity to structured, sustainable development.”
The forum also offered guidance on developing binding infrastructure, such as constitutions, which will shape the future of these clubs. Gustave emphasised the importance of this element in the growth of the budding sports subsector.
“Strong governance and well-built constitutions are the backbone of any thriving sports organisation. They ensure transparency, define responsibilities, and help clubs attract sponsors and institutional support. For alternative sports, which are still emerging, proper governance also builds credibility with national bodies, regional federations, and even international partners. Ultimately, this foundation is what will transform small clubs into nationally recognised institutions capable of representing Saint Lucia abroad.”
The seminar provided a platform for improvement in financial management, another key area addressed. Gustave acknowledged this remains one of the most persistent challenges facing rising clubs.
“One of the biggest challenges is the lack of proper systems for financial reporting and oversight. Many clubs struggle to track income and expenses, which creates mistrust and discourages sponsorship,” he said.
“The seminar directly addressed this by introducing simple but effective models of financial accountability — such as maintaining transparent records, using basic accounting templates, and setting up oversight committees. By doing this, clubs are now better equipped to manage funds responsibly and present themselves confidently to sponsors and funding agencies.”
Ultimately, Gustave expressed confidence that this planning will foster positive change, creating a safe and successful environment for all stakeholders.
“We emphasised that successful events are not just about excitement but about safety, structure, and foresight. Through interactive sessions, we trained clubs in drafting strategic plans that outline clear goals, timelines, and resource needs… By planning ahead and preparing for risks, clubs can now host events that are not only safer but also more attractive to partners, the public, and regulatory agencies.”
