A promising young athlete from Saint Lucia has achieved a significant breakthrough in his sporting career, securing an international scholarship through a strategic football recruitment program. Kareem Francis, an accomplished midfielder from Monchy United, has been offered a comprehensive scholarship to attend Ranger College in Texas beginning fall 2026, where he will pursue engineering studies while advancing his football career.
The opportunity emerged from Francis’s standout performance during the Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in December 2025, where his technical skills and athleticism captured the attention of international scouts. As both a student at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and a trainee at the Carlyle Thomas Football Academy (CTFA), Francis has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both academic and athletic pursuits.
His parents expressed profound pride in his achievement. Mother Maria James credited CTFA and Monchy United FC for creating the opportunity, noting that coaches had specifically identified Francis as a player with exceptional potential. “He is very excited, as this surprising opportunity came to hand,” she stated, emphasizing her emotional response as a parent witnessing her son’s success.
Father Kervin Francis highlighted the years of discipline and sacrifice behind this achievement, noting that his son’s success demonstrates how young athletes from the Caribbean region can compete internationally with proper mindset and work ethic. Beyond football, Francis has distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, representing Saint Lucia in Under-15 cricket as a top-order batsman and off-spinner, and earning multiple track and field medals during his primary school years.
Ranger College presents an ideal environment for international athletes, with their 2025 roster featuring 17 players from diverse backgrounds including Colombia, England, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Paraguay, Scotland, Spain, and Venezuela. Under Scottish head coach Ross Anderson, now entering his third year with the program, the Rangers completed the 2025 season with six wins and two draws in thirteen matches.
The recruitment initiative behind Francis’s scholarship appears poised to benefit additional Saint Lucian athletes. Scouts Daniel Fragachan and Manuel Hernández of MAD Sports Group are reportedly planning further opportunities for Caribbean players, potentially including a Texas-based showcase event in March.