Player and technical staff payouts in the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League more than doubled in 2025, climbing 111 per cent to EC$1.45 million, according to figures reviewed at the league’s annual stakeholders’ meeting last Friday.
The six-hour session at Bel Jou Hotel in La Pansee, Castries, brought together the Ministry of Education, Youth Development and Sports, the Saint Lucia Football Association and league officials to assess the second season of the SPFL.
The 2025 campaign featured 143 matches across 20 teams in two divisions, with La Clery repeating as Tier 1 champions and Anse La Raye earning promotion to the top flight after winning Tier 2.
Outpayments grew from EC$687 602.82 in 2024 to EC$1 450 837.84 last season.
League CEO Francis “Parry” Daniel reported that SPFL content drew more than 1.25 million views over six months, with every Tier 1 match streamed either on the league’s YouTube channel or FIFA+, which began carrying Saint Lucian fixtures last year.
Seven sponsors contributed roughly EC$73 000, alongside support from the National Lotteries Authority and ES Productions. Sports Minister Kenson Casimir praised the progress but pressed for greater private-sector involvement.
“Financially, we got more investment from the corporate sector, but we are not satisfied at all,” Casimir said. “We need more corporate sector individuals to play their role in this investment in the young footballers.”
Reports on marketing, medical services, security, live streaming, media, commentary and venue management were tabled. Among those present were SPFL chair Dr Uralise Delaire, SLFA president Lyndon Cooper, marketing lead Cherry Ann Williams, medical lead Dr Natasha Innocent and commentator Elijah Williams.
Looking ahead to Season 3, Casimir identified officiating as a priority for improvement.
“A major sore point for the Semi-Pro Football League over the last two years has been the issue and quality of refereeing,” he said, adding that the government hopes to attract referees from abroad while expanding local recruitment.
The minister reiterated government backing for the league, which supports more than 400 players, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, match officials and administrators.
He closed by urging businesses to adopt players and invest in their nutrition as part of the broader push toward professionalising football in Saint Lucia.
