Arsenal and England footballer Myles Lewis-Skelly shared an emotional moment with young players at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Tuesday, offering advice, encouragement, and a kickabout that many said they will never forget.
Among those he inspired were grassroots players from the Gros Islet Constituency Football Club, who were mid-training when Lewis-Skelly, currently on vacation in Saint Lucia, surprised them with a visit. “It was so good to be around everyone, such good energy in Saint Lucia,” said Lewis-Skelly. “Especially coming to see the kids. The next generation is so important. I never had this when I was young, so for them to ask me questions, I’m just very grateful to be here.”
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has Saint Lucian heritage, didn’t just offer skills or selfies, he brought presence. Calm, grounded, and relatable, Lewis-Skelly spent time talking to the players about staying focused and believing in themselves. “Everyone here has talent, and I see that,” he said. “Saint Lucia is my land as well because I have family here, and I want to come back.”
The visit was part of a broader sports tourism initiative being promoted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). According to Dexter Percil, Head of Global Marketing at SLTA, Lewis-Skelly’s presence reflects Saint Lucia’s growing appeal as a destination for recovery, rest, and athletic inspiration. “Myles was able to see the grassroots of Saint Lucia, from the Gros Islet club where the guys were just kicking around, but he was graceful enough to join us and give them an inspirational talk,” Percil said. “He is on his personal vacation, and we really want to say thank you.”
The football star has also been enjoying the island’s iconic natural beauty, having visited the Sulphur Springs, the Pitons, and other heritage sites. “I went to the mud baths, cleaning my body a bit, you know, got my skin clear,” Lewis-Skelly laughed. “There is so much to see in Saint Lucia. For me, relaxation is so important. You have to feel calm when you come on holiday, and Saint Lucia really made me feel like that.”
SLTA officials say the initiative ties into efforts to use sports to attract global attention to the island, much like the elevation of Julian Alfred as a Saint Lucia tourism ambassador. “We want to position the destination as a place where you can come to rejuvenate, rest, and relax,” Percil added. “Through the warmth and hospitality of our people, we always want to welcome top star athletes and everyone to visit Saint Lucia.”
As for the young footballers on the field, many left that session feeling not only seen but truly believed in, as Lewis-Skelly took time to autograph their boots and connect with them personally. He, for his part, promised he would be back.
Jamal Cyril, Manager of the Gros Islet young footballers who was present at the session, said, “It was a great initiative, to see that the boys could interact with a professional player, but not just a professional, a current professional who’s probably one of the biggest names in youth football right now. That kind of exposure is priceless.”
