The Gros Islet Football League is again investing in the future of Saint Lucia’s footballers with the upcoming Republic Bank Talent Showcase.
The showcase will be hosted in two parts. December 7-11 will be training, player evaluations, and coaching from United States-based and local instructors. This will be followed by competitive matches on December 12 and 13. The activities will take place at the Corinth Playing Field.
The talent showcase is being hosted to develop pathways for international football and US collegiate opportunities. Participants will be pooled into three groups: Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16. The executing agency for this event is MAD Sports.
According to Gros Islet Football League president Shayne Paul, this initiative will provide a unique opportunity for youth players to broaden their horizons. Paul told St Lucia Times that last year, this initiative saw one participant receive a scholarship.
“For us at the Gros Islet Football League, it’s always about going beyond the football field,” he said. “We are, of course, delighted by Republic Bank coming on board and supporting this initiative, and other sponsors, of course, who will be on board to ensure that this happens this year.
“The coaches coming from the US will bring a different ingredient to our coaching. It will enhance what we want to produce to some of those players, and also it will create an opportunity for them to see where they’re at and what they must do in order for them to go beyond Saint Lucia.”
Beyond the individual possibilities of this showcase, there are further collaborative opportunities that could come out of this initiative. Paul revealed that the Gros Islet Football League’s participation in the Dallas Cup earlier this year was born out of a partnership with US-based allies.
“We are delighted to have [US partners] on board with us, and we can always grow better year after year in ensuring that our athletes get the opportunity,” he said.
The showcase is not only open to Gros Islet natives. Any Saint Lucian footballer falling into the specified age categories can participate. The participation fee is $300, with a 50 per cent deposit required to secure a spot. Anyone interested can contact the organisers at 726-6449 or 733-2922.
