Saint Lucia’s cricket landscape witnessed a transformative moment as the inaugural Under-13 Grassroots Tournament concluded triumphantly in December 2025. The eight-week championship, powered by the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, culminated with Soufrière claiming victory against Babonneau in a spirited final showdown at Vieux Fort.
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) heralded the event as an unprecedented success in youth sports development. SLNCA President Wayne Auguste expressed profound satisfaction, noting: ‘The rapid skill evolution and deepened game understanding among these young athletes within such a brief timeframe has been extraordinary. Their progress validates our strategic investment in cricket’s future.’
A remarkable tournament hallmark was cricket’s dramatic expansion into non-traditional regions. Communities like Laborie participated with exceptional enthusiasm, signaling the sport’s growing appeal beyond historical strongholds. Auguste emphasized the importance of nationwide outreach, stating: ‘Our next cricket superstar could emerge from any corner of Saint Lucia. Witnessing a female coach leading the Laborie team was particularly inspiring, and we encourage more women to embrace coaching roles.’
This tournament strategically bridges the Republic Bank Five for Fun program (targeting primary school children) and the Sandals Under-19 district competition. The association’s visionary roadmap includes introducing a hardball program featuring age-appropriate 4¾-ounce balls and professional equipment including scaled bats, protective gear, and full kits to mirror international standards.
Further expansion plans reveal an upcoming Under-10 category with modified rules to accommodate younger participants, recognizing that earlier engagement significantly enhances player development.
Championship coach Dalius Monrose praised the tournament’s impact: ‘This initiative was long overdue. Our players demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the competition, evolving from beginners to knowledgeable cricketers who understand game strategy and execution.’ Monrose advocated for dedicated cricket facilities in Soufrière to sustain the sport’s momentum.
Auguste concluded by acknowledging the Laborie Credit Union’s pivotal role, describing them as ‘ideal partners aligned with human resource development through sports investment.’ The tournament’s resounding success establishes a robust foundation for cricket’s continued expansion across Saint Lucian communities.