The Caribbean Challenge Series kicks off this weekend at the Corinth Playing Field and Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet. Competing in three age groups, 18 youth teams representing 12 clubs will compete from August 8 to 17 under the theme “Kick Out Crime and Violence”Â
The tournament was officially launched on Thursday at the offices of the Saint Lucia Football Association. Present were club administrators, coaches and players, along with representatives from sponsors 1st National Bank and the National Lotteries Authority.
The Gros Islet Football League says the aim of the competition, which is in its third year, is “to bring together young athletes from across the region to compete, grow, and champion a message of peace”.
Just one overseas team, the National Sports Council from Barbados, will contest the Under-14 division.Â
League president Shayne Paul confessed his disappointment that there were not more participants from the region this time around.
“We don’t want persons to think that teams didn’t want to come,” he said. “But it’s summer travel, it is CPL time, coming out of Carnival, coming out of Jazz. It’s tough. But it gives me immense pleasure to acknowledge the National Sports Council of Barbados, who actually took out a loan just to ensure their young players could be here and represented.”
Coaches, players and parents were urged to ensure the highest standards of discipline are maintained, in the unifying spirit of the competition. The Caribbean Challenge is meant to highlight positive lifestyles and positive pathways to young men.
“I want to encourage the coaches and players to take this seriously,” urged Paul. “Especially under our theme: Kick Out Crime and Violence. It’s about creating a safe space. We aren’t fighting crime with search warrants, roadblocks and force here. We’re opening an avenue, going the softer side, giving these kids a real path.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Lotteries Authority, general manager Iva Satney reiterated the theme of using sports to help promote youth development.
“At the NLA, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to dream, to grow, and to succeed,” she said. “Sport teaches discipline, respect, teamwork, resilience, and hope. Every child who steps onto a football field instead of the streets is a victory for our nation and our region. To every player participating: know that this tournament is about more than the scoreline. It’s about character.”
Organisers highlighted the importance of player continuity, noting that many of this year’s participants played in last year’s series, allowing coaches to measure player progress and raise the overall quality of play.
Looking to the future, officials revealed that if this year’s tournament achieves its goals, the Caribbean Challenge Series could begin rotating venues, potentially taking the competition to another Caribbean island next year to further deepen regional football integration.
