More than 200 local boys will soon begin their journey to the 2026 Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Boys Challenge with the launch of the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc Under-14 Boys Tournament. The league will start at two venues on May 17, following its official launch on Tuesday at SLFA headquarters in La Clery, Castries.
All 19 SLFA affiliate leagues are expected to participate, with more than 130 matches scheduled. The competition will likely follow a zonal format, with 10 northern teams playing a round-robin at Corinth Playing Field and nine southern teams at Philip Marcellin Grounds.Â
“We are currently running an Under-12 Boys competition, and to now introduce an Under-14 is an indication that the SLFA continues to remain focused when it comes to its development plan for both boys and girls,” said SLFA president Lyndon Cooper.
“I also want to indicate that the competition is expected to identify talent. And while it is expected to identify talent, it is also expected to bring together the best set of players originating from the Under-12 into the Under-14. And once we get that pathway created, it means that we will have sufficient players to choose an Under-14 national team from.
Cooper noted that the upcoming CFU tournament, to be hosted by the Guyana Football Federation in July, offers opportunities for players and coaches. He also hopes this tournament will be around for the long haul and lay the foundation for other age-group national teams.
“We are already getting ready for Under-15 [regional competition] in 2027 and Under-17 in 2028,” he said. “I say this because I want to put all the coaches on notice: we must get the kids playing much better than they would have before, and we at the SLFA think that coach education certification is going to help us get to where we want to get.
“So, I want to indicate one year in advance that as of 2027, every single person who coaches an Under-14 team, an Under-17 team, and an Under-20 team will be expected to have a level of certification.”
Also at Tuesday’s launch were coaches and former national players Earl “Ball Hog” Jean and Stuart Charles-Fevrier, who will scout for the age-group national team. Jamal Cyril represented sponsors ATV Experience, and Tracy Ernest Eugene represented Baywalk Shopping Mall.
Cyril praised the SLFA for continuing its investment in youth football. The 2026 Under-12 Boys Tournament is underway at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery, with defending champions Mabouya Valley aiming for their third consecutive final.
“I would like to give the SLFA and all coaches/districts a round of applause for continuing that development, because football is a global sport. Football is the biggest sport in the world, and one of the things that we try to preach to the kids is that you can make a career in football, and having this competition is a start to it,” said Cyril.
Eugene, meanwhile, told her audience that financial assistance can be forthcoming when coaches and administrators show positive results.
“Most people think that corporate Saint Lucia don’t want to sponsor sports,” said Eugene. “It’s not about Corporate Saint Lucia don’t want to sponsor sports, but corporate Saint Lucia just want to see development. They want to see progress. Once there is progress and there is development, you will get support.
“So, pray and hope to God that we continue this development and progress, and then you will see more help and support from the likes of Baywalk Shopping Mall and ATV Experience.”
