Our sportsmen and women deserve better

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s early exit from the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup may have been a disappointing start, but it should not be viewed as the end of the road for football on the island.

Competing at this level for the first time came at a cost. The national team conceded 10 goals in three matches and failed to score. Yet, context is critical. Grenada was the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, a remarkable achievement in itself. Simply reaching the Gold Cup signalled progress, and while the results were harsh, the experience gained is invaluable.

History reminds us that difficult introductions to the Gold Cup are not unique. Canada suffered an 8-0 defeat to Mexico in 1993. Cuba conceded seven to Costa Rica in 1998. Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines endured heavy losses in their early appearances, while Martinique also faced a 9-0 defeat. These nations regrouped, rebuilt, and improved, and so too can Grenada.

Credit must go to head coach Tommy Taylor and his staff, Kellon Baptiste, Andrew Munro, Kerlon Peters, and Jerry Alexis, for their professionalism in guiding one of the youngest teams in the competition. Notably, the performance against Honduras showed signs of growth and resilience compared to earlier matches against the United States and Haiti.

The responsibility now shifts to the Grenada Football Association (GFA) to build on this foundation. Development must be continuous, not reactionary.

Too often, national enthusiasm is tied solely to victory. We celebrate when medals are won, but quickly fall silent in moments of struggle. This “Monday morning quarterback” mentality overlooks a fundamental truth: participation at the highest level is itself an achievement.

Our support for athletes should not be conditional. At times, our appreciation borders on hypocrisy, loud in triumph, absent in adversity.

Just a year ago, Grenadian athletes delivered commendable performances at the Beijing Olympic Games. Yet, many of them, competing week after week on the international circuit, receive little recognition. Athletes such as Neisha Bernard-Thomas, Randy Lewis, and Patricia Sylvester continue to represent Grenada with pride, often without sustained national acknowledgement.

Similarly, Alleyne Francique, in his debut season as a coach at Texas A&M, guided his team to an NCAA women’s title. Such accomplishments deserve national celebration.

The pattern is familiar. When success fades, so does public enthusiasm. We saw it with global figures like Lewis Hamilton, celebrated at his peak, but less supported during challenging periods. The lesson is clear: true support endures beyond winning.

Closer to home, Grenada’s Under-23 netball team recently returned after failing to defend its OECS title. Their effort, commitment, and representation of the nation still merit recognition.

The situation surrounding the national football team is even more troubling. Just months after reaching the Caribbean Cup final in Jamaica, with strong official support, the same players were left struggling for basic resources. They faced difficulties securing a suitable venue for an international friendly and reportedly had to cover their own departure taxes to represent Grenada at the region’s premier tournament.

Ironically, facilities deemed unavailable for football were later used for other events. Such contradictions highlight the need for better planning, respect, and prioritisation.

National development cannot be derailed by petty disagreements or short-term thinking.

At the same time, we celebrate emerging stars like Kirani James, along with Nichkelia John and coach Albert Joseph, for their achievements abroad. Their success will be met with fanfare, motorcades, ceremonies, and national pride. But the real question remains: what happens after the celebrations end?

Sustained support is the true measure of national commitment.

Our athletes often compete as amateurs against professionals, yet they carry the pride of a nation. They deserve proper send-offs, consistent encouragement, and recognition whether they win or lose.

Perhaps the time has come to formalise that appreciation. A National Appreciation Day for Grenada’s sportsmen and women could serve as a meaningful step toward recognising their contributions and inspiring future generations.

If we are serious about sport as a vehicle for national development, then our support must extend beyond the scoreboard.