The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) has officially launched its 2025/26 season, marking the fourth year under its current banner. The league, described by TTFA third vice-president Jameson Rigues as the ‘heartbeat of TT football,’ aims to strengthen the nation’s men’s football team by fostering a robust local competition. The season was unveiled at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s VIP lounge in Mucurapo on October 19, with the action set to commence on October 24 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. The opening double-header will feature San Juan Jabloteh vs. Miscellaneous Police FC at 6 pm, followed by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers vs. 1976 FC Phoenix at 8 pm. For Phoenix, this season offers a chance to reconnect with their Tobago fanbase after playing the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign without home fixtures. They are scheduled to feature in at least six Bacolet double-headers by early January. Reigning champions Defence Force, who enjoyed an unbeaten run last season, will begin their title defense against 2023/24 winners AC Port of Spain at the Arima Velodrome on October 25. Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up, MIC Central FC Reboot, will face cellar-placed Point Fortin Civic on October 26 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. The league, running from October 2025 to March 2026, plans to introduce a knockout tournament alongside the First Citizens Cup, which Defence Force successfully defended last season. Acting CEO Yale Antoine also revealed intentions to implement promotion and relegation at the season’s end, with both on-field and off-field performance being considered. However, clubs with teams in both tiers—Police, Defence Force, Prisons, and Eagles—will be exempt from this system. The prize structure remains unchanged, pending Cabinet approval, with winners receiving $150,000, runners-up $90,000, and third-placed teams $50,000. Rigues emphasized the TTPFL’s role in youth development, unity, and providing a pathway for aspiring footballers. He stated, ‘When our local leagues thrive, our national teams thrive. And when our national teams thrive, our people stand taller.’ The league continues to attract sponsors, including ADM, KFC, and Stag, with efforts ongoing to enhance branding and marketing.
TTPFL 2025/26 season launched, TTFA VP: ‘This is the heartbeat of TT football’
