Pro men’s football returns to Grande

The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) marks a significant milestone in national sports infrastructure with the return of professional football to Sangre Grande’s revitalized Sporting Complex. After extensive renovations completed in September 2025 through a collaborative effort between the Sport Company of TT and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the venue will host a Boxing Day double-header that signals renewed investment in regional athletic facilities.

Scheduled for December 26th, the event will feature Eagles FC versus San Juan Jabloteh at 5 pm, followed by a clash between Police FC and Prison Service at 7 pm. This strategic scheduling leverages the traditional Boxing Day sporting culture while reintroducing top-tier football to a community with deep historical connections to the sport.

The Sangre Grande complex represents a multifaceted sports facility featuring both outdoor playing fields and two indoor courts capable of accommodating basketball, netball, and volleyball competitions. Its reopening addresses a longstanding gap in East Trinidad’s professional sports infrastructure, providing the TTPFL with a third major venue alongside the La Horquetta Recreation Ground and Arima Velodrome.

This development holds particular significance as Sangre Grande previously served as home to the now-defunct North East Stars club. League organizers are optimistic about local engagement, given the community’s demonstrated support through regional competitions like the Sweet Sixteen Football League and Fishing Pond League. The return of professional matches not only revitalizes local sports economy but also honors the region’s legacy as a football stronghold.