The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) concluded its annual stakeholders’ meeting with groundbreaking financial revelations, announcing a remarkable 111% increase in player and technical staff compensation for the 2025 season. Total payouts soared to EC$1.45 million, up dramatically from EC$687,602.82 in the previous year.
The comprehensive six-hour assembly at Castries’ Bel Jou Hotel united key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, Youth Development and Sports, the Saint Lucia Football Association, and league administrators to evaluate the SPFL’s second competitive season. The 2025 campaign featured an extensive schedule of 143 matches across 20 teams divided into two divisions, with La Clery securing back-to-back Tier 1 championships and Anse La Raye earning promotion to the top flight after dominating Tier 2 competition.
League CEO Francis ‘Parry’ Daniel reported exceptional digital engagement metrics, with SPFL content accumulating over 1.25 million views during the six-month season. Every Tier 1 match received comprehensive coverage through either the league’s dedicated YouTube channel or FIFA+, which began broadcasting Saint Lucian fixtures in 2025.
The league’s financial ecosystem benefited from seven principal sponsors contributing approximately EC$73,000, supplemented by strategic partnerships with the National Lotteries Authority and ES Productions. Despite these advancements, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the need for expanded private sector involvement, stating: ‘While we’ve secured increased corporate investment, we remain unsatisfied. More business leaders must recognize their role in investing in our young footballers.’
The meeting featured detailed presentations covering marketing initiatives, medical services, security protocols, live streaming operations, media coverage, commentary quality, and venue management. Distinguished attendees included SPFL chair Dr. Uralise Delaire, SLFA president Lyndon Cooper, and department leads Cherry Ann Williams (marketing), Dr. Natasha Innocent (medical), and Elijah Williams (commentary).
Looking toward Season 3, Minister Casimir identified officiating quality as a critical improvement area, noting: ‘Refereeing standards have represented a persistent challenge throughout the league’s first two seasons.’ The government plans to address this through international referee recruitment while simultaneously expanding local official development programs.
The minister reaffirmed government commitment to the league, which currently supports over 400 players, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, match officials, and administrators. Casimir concluded with an appeal to businesses to consider player adoption programs and nutritional investment initiatives as part of Saint Lucia’s broader strategy to professionalize its football infrastructure.