Eight teams will battle for the Guardsman Under-15 Football Tournament title throughout November, as the Gros Islet Football League brings together emerging talent for a competition aimed at developing Saint Lucia’s next generation of players.
The tournament was officially launched on October 29 at the St. Lucia Football Association headquarters in La Clery, where organizers unveiled the groups and reinforced the competition’s role as a stepping stone towards national football.
Monchy FC, NAYA FC, VSADC and Black Panthers will contest Group A, while GMC United, Lancers FC, Hill Top Ballers and 1987 All Stars face off in Group B. Each team will play its group opponents, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals before the championship final.
While a trophy awaits the champions, league president Shayne Paul urged coaches and parents to recognize the value of what happens along the way. He emphasized that player development requires learning through both victories and defeats.
That message found support from Valdez James, speaking on behalf of the St. Lucia Football Association Incorporated. He reaffirmed the association’s continued commitment to youth football and challenged coaches to give every player meaningful playing time, encourage decision-making and treat mistakes as opportunities to teach.
The potential rewards were illustrated by specially invited guest Kegan Caull. Interviewed by Paul, the young national striker recalled how being scouted during the Guardsman tournament led to his first national Under-14 call-up—even though he never won the competition.
“You never know who’s watching,” said Caull, who has represented Saint Lucia in the CONCACAF Nations League. He encouraged participants to remain disciplined, work hard and stay prepared for opportunities.
Under the theme “Beyond the Game: Empowering Youth Through Football and Community Security,” title sponsor Guardsman also highlighted the tournament’s wider purpose.
Business Development Officer Nikisha Marcion emphasized that the company’s investment extends beyond football development to helping provide a safe, secure space where young people can build confidence, discipline and positive relationships.
The competition also receives sponsorship from Scott Sports and Awards, the Gros Islet Football League and the St. Lucia Football Association Incorporated. Scott Sports and Awards has pledged a new kit for the winning team.
