The Gros Islet Football League (GFL) on Wednesday hosted an appreciation ceremony in honour of six of its players who have been selected to represent Saint Lucia on the National Under-20 Team at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup Qualifiers in Costa Rica.
The national squad is scheduled to depart the island on Friday, February 20, as they prepare to compete at the regional level.
The ceremony formed part of the Gros Islet Football League’s structured development plan, which centers on identifying, mentoring, supporting and celebrating footballers within its programme as they progress to national representation. League officials emphasized that the initiative was not intended to divide the national team, but rather to embrace and uplift players who have emerged through the Gros Islet football pathway and are now flying the Saint Lucian flag.
President of the Gros Islet Football League, Shayne Paul, expressed appreciation to the Gros Islet Youth and Sports Council for partnering on the initiative. He reaffirmed the league’s commitment to holistic player development, noting that recognition and tangible support are critical components of preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition.
As part of the ceremony, the six selected players were presented with football gear to assist with their participation in the qualifiers. Additionally, their parents received a small grant to support preparatory expenses, including personal supplies and other necessities required for international travel and competition. The gesture was described as a practical demonstration of community backing and shared responsibility in the athletes’ journey.
Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet and Minister for Youth Development, Sports, Education and Digital Transformation, Kenson Casimir, also addressed the gathering. Reflecting on his own experience representing Saint Lucia, Casimir encouraged the young men to compete with pride, discipline and dignity as ambassadors of the nation.
He referenced the recent milestone of Saint Lucian sprint icon Julien Alfred being featured on a national postage stamp, describing it as a powerful example of what dedication and hard work can achieve. Casimir urged the players to remain committed to their craft, reminding them that with focus and resilience, similar opportunities for national recognition could one day be within their reach.
President of the Gros Islet North Youth and Sports Council, Sanjay Mitchell, delivered brief remarks, expressing his pride in the six young athletes and extending best wishes as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Also notably in attendance were General Secretary of the Gros Islet Football League, Raejean Montoute, Charde Desir and other executive members of the league.
The appreciation ceremony underscored the Gros Islet Football League’s ongoing investment in youth development and community-driven support. As the six players prepare to represent Saint Lucia in Costa Rica, they do so not only with national pride, but with the visible backing of their league, their families, and the wider Gros Islet community
