The Honourable Phillip Watts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to student-athletes and school sport when he delivered remarks at the launch of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) 2026 Girls and Boys Intercol.
The launch took place on Thursday 5 November 2026 in the Bamboo Room at the National Cycling Velodrome, Balmain, Couva.
The Minister spoke about what school football means to young people. He said the Intercol was about much more than winning matches.
“I see far more than a football competition before us. I see young people with ambition. I see communities with hope. And I see an opportunity to help shape the Trinidad and Tobago we want to become,” Minister Watts said.
He told the players they had earned the right to represent their schools. He also reminded them that their contribution would not be measured only by goals and wins. “It will also be measured by your discipline, your courage and the respect you show to others,” he said.
Minister Watts set out his vision for sport and youth development, which starts with opportunity and inclusion. “I want a Trinidad and Tobago where a child’s address does not determine their access to sport… where girls and boys alike are encouraged to pursue their ambitions, and where young people with disabilities are included meaningfully, not treated as an afterthought,” he said.
He called for a wider view of youth development. “Our responsibility is not simply to applaud those who make it onto the field. It is to ask who is missing, and what we can do together to open the way,” he said.
The Minister said the Ministry will keep supporting athletes and helping more young people take part in sport. He noted that the Ministry is working with other ministries and state agencies on the issues that affect whether young people can take part, learn and thrive. These include education, health, transport, safety and community support.
“I remain committed to ensuring that my Ministry continues to provide support, as needed and within our capacity, working alongside the Secondary Schools Football League and our partners to create meaningful opportunities for our young people,” Minister Watts said.
He thanked the SSFL for giving girls and boys a platform to represent their schools. He also praised coaches, teachers, parents, supporters and sponsors for their role in developing young athletes. “A young person may remember a result for a season, but they may remember your encouragement for a lifetime,” he said.
The Minister ended his remarks with a message to the student-athletes: “Play to win, but never lose sight of who you are. Respect the referee. Honour your opponents. Support the teammate who makes a mistake… Play with heart. Play with pride. And make every opportunity count.”
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs wishes every participating school a safe, exciting and successful 2026 Intercol season.
