Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers’ Party and a passionate sports advocate, has emphasized the critical role of the club system and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) in advancing the nation’s athletic development. In a comprehensive interview with St. Lucia Times, Chastanet outlined his vision for sports, particularly in the context of the upcoming December 1 general election. He highlighted the “quadrant plan,” initially introduced by the late Prime Minister Sir John Compton, which focused on regional investment and could be adapted to sports infrastructure and development. Chastanet argued that sports in Saint Lucia have traditionally been school-centric, leaving a void once students transition to secondary education. To address this, he proposed establishing district-level clubs, aiming for six to seven clubs per district across the island’s ten regions. While he did not elaborate on the financial or logistical support for these clubs, Chastanet envisioned a step system where district clubs would compete regionally, culminating in national championships. He also linked this vision to the SLSA, which opened in 2019 during his tenure as Prime Minister. The academy, he explained, centralizes sports development at the secondary level, allowing top athletes from across the island to train and compete together. Despite its successes in cricket and football, the SLSA has faced challenges, including the absence of a dedicated scholarship desk, limiting opportunities for graduates to pursue higher education abroad. Chastanet remains optimistic about the academy’s potential, citing its comprehensive support system, including sports psychologists, nutritionists, and trainers. He also revealed discussions with FIFA to transform the Phillip Marcellin Grounds into a regional football academy. If re-elected, Chastanet plans to enhance the SLSA’s profile and implement a district-focused club system to further Saint Lucia’s sports development.