Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says her government has responded to long-standing calls from several communities to create safe spaces where young people can excel, adding that steps have already been taken to advance this goal.
Speaking at the East West Corridor Football League final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Sunday evening, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said grassroots sport plays a vital role in providing positive and safe environments for youth development.
She added that sport and youth development form a key pillar of the national transformation agenda.
“That is why we brought sport and youth affairs together under one ministry. Sport remains one of the most powerful tools for building discipline, confidence, teamwork, national pride and opportunity. My government has already begun supporting sport and youth initiatives through grants, youth programmes, community sporting activities and support for emerging talent across T&T.”
The Prime Minister said nation-building does not happen only in Parliament or Government offices, but also on football fields and within communities.
She also directly addressed the players, reminding them that their efforts are not in vain.
“Every training session, every early morning workout, every sacrifice brought you here tonight. Some of you may one day play professional football, others may become coaches, you may become mentors, professionals or leaders within your communities. But whatever path your life takes, the discipline, the teamwork, the perseverance and respect you learn through sport will remain with you forever.”
Simeon Road FC are the inaugural champions of the East West Corridor Football League after a 3–0 victory over Wolfpack Icons.
At its launch, the League featured over 40 teams, with participation across multiple divisions, including approximately 11 teams in the North, six in the South, four in Tobago, and additional teams across other zones, bringing the total to over 40 teams.