The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has encountered significant hurdles this season, including financial constraints, sponsorship cuts, and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, SSFL President Merere Gonzales has reassured the public that the league is actively addressing these problems to maintain its integrity and competitiveness. The 2025 season began with over 100 schools registering, though some withdrew due to logistical difficulties. Gonzales emphasized that withdrawing before fixtures are released is the honorable approach, as post-release withdrawals can result in a two-year ban. The league has also faced issues with the quality of school home venues, particularly in the championship and lower divisions. In one instance, a team in the Central Zone attempted to mark their field with flour minutes before a match, which the referee deemed unacceptable. Many schools without corporate sponsorship struggle to prepare their grounds adequately. Gonzales highlighted the need for more support from relevant authorities to ensure playable and credible standards. Financial challenges have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of sponsorships from the National Gas Company (NGC) and Shell, which has impacted the league’s operations, including the planned inaugural girls premiership. The TT Football Association (TTFA) is collaborating with the SSFL to ensure the girls premiership launches in 2026. Additionally, First Citizens has narrowed its sponsorship to the boys championship, while Coca-Cola remains the title sponsor of the Intercol competition. Traveling schools, particularly those moving to and from Tobago, now have to fund their own travel, leading to postponed games and fixture congestion. The SSFL is also facing broadcasting hardships following the shutdown of SportsMax, but is forming partnerships with Digicel, Rush, and TT Television (TTT) to broadcast matches. In the interim, matches are being broadcast on Tiger Tanks International, 360TV, and Tobago Sports Live. Despite these challenges, the SSFL remains committed to building student-athletes across all divisions. The league has introduced monthly off-season activities, including nutrition, performance, and mental health workshops, to keep schools engaged and prepare student-athletes for the next season.
SSFL hit with sponsorship cuts, travel issues…league working to improve shortcomings
