What was once at risk of being canceled has become a celebrated celebration of local sportsmanship and community unity in St John parish, after a last-minute intervention from a local attorney and former government minister turned a tentative plan into a fully realized, successful football competition.
Organizers from Sweataz United Inc. had spent weeks trying to secure backing for the inaugural St John’s Premier League, but hit a wall when no corporate or community sponsor stepped forward to fund the tournament. For a period, it seemed the nine registered teams would never get to step onto the pitch at Cuthbert Peters Park, the planned host venue for the competition.
That changed when Arley Gill, a St John-born attorney and former Grenadian Minister of Culture who currently serves as Deputy Leader of the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM), stepped in to cover the required costs. With his sponsorship secured, the tournament went ahead as scheduled, and recently wrapped its season with a formal awards ceremony distributing trophies, medals, and cash prizes to top-performing teams and players.
Nine local squads competed across the tournament under the event’s core promotional slogan “One League, One City, One Champion”: Ballers FC, Barbados, SJC U19, Herb Roots, D Lance, Mil, Grand Roy, Dougaldston, and Pasture Boys. After weeks of competitive play, the team Barbados claimed the championship title with a total of 22 points, edging out second-place finisher Mil who finished just two points behind with 20 points. Pasture Boys secured the third spot on the leaderboard with 14 points.
In individual awards, three players tied for the top goal scorer honor: Akimo Sampson, Dwight Joseph, and Rivaldo Smith each netted 11 goals over the course of the tournament, sharing the individual prize.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Gill framed his sponsorship as more than just a financial contribution to a local event, but an investment in the parish’s youth and the revival of local community sports. “This is just the beginning of great things to come. We need to reinvigorate sports in St John’s,” he said, adding that he saw the opportunity as a critical way to give young people a positive, engaging outlet that encourages healthy competition and participation.
Organizers echoed that sentiment, calling the first St John’s Premier League a resounding success that exceeded all expectations. They extended official congratulations to the championship-winning Barbados side for their standout performance, and also praised the eight other competing teams and the broader St John community for turning out to support the event.
“What started as an idea turned into an unforgettable competition filled with energy, passion and true community spirit. From the first whistle to the final match, this tournament delivered excitement every step of the way,” said Sweataz United Inc. representatives in a post-tournament statement. The organizers emphasized that Gill’s backing was the make-or-break factor for the event, noting “Special thanks to our main sponsor, Arley Gill, for his significant contribution and belief in this vision. Your support played a major role in making this tournament a success.”