The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, led by Minister Phillip Watts, has fulfilled its commitment to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) following concerns regarding teams’ ability to travel to Tobago to participate in scheduled matches.
Minister Watts, together with Chairman of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), Kester Lendor, met today with SSFL President Merere Gonzales, Secretary-Treasurer Laurence Seepersad and North Zone Chairman Joseph Taylor to address the matter and ensure that the affected teams can take part in the fixtures.
The intervention follows reports of challenges that could have prevented teams from travelling to Tobago for competition. Through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, the Sport Company and the SSFL, arrangements have now been made to facilitate the teams’ participation.
Minister Watts said the Ministry remains committed to supporting student-athletes and safeguarding opportunities for young people to compete, develop their talent and represent their schools with pride.
“Our young athletes must be given every opportunity to participate, compete and fulfil their potential. School sport plays a critical role in building discipline, teamwork, leadership and national pride, and we were therefore determined to work with the SSFL and the Sport Company to find a solution. We are pleased that the teams will now be able to travel to Tobago and take part in their scheduled matches.”
Minister Watts added that the Ministry will continue to work closely with sporting organisations and stakeholders to strengthen the development of youth sport throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
SSFL President Merere Gonzales expressed gratitude to Minister Watts and Chairman Lendor for responding promptly to the concerns and helping to ensure that the teams can participate in the games.
“We are grateful to Minister Watts and Chairman Lendor for their intervention and commitment to the League. Their support means that our student-athletes will be able to take the field and continue their participation in the competition,” Gonzales said.
Chairman Lendor reaffirmed the Sport Company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development, sporting excellence and equitable access to competition for student-athletes across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs remains committed to advancing sport as a vehicle for youth development, national unity and the discovery of future sporting talent.
