Beyond the 90 Minutes: Why Corporate Grenada Must Invest in Local Football

By Michael Bascombe

TalkSports Host & Sports Commentator

Grenadian football experienced a dynamic, multi-layered display of its potential on Saturday, as three major events unfolded across the island. From the promising talents at the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme to the community-centred Kellon Baptiste Memorial Game, and the high-stakes finale of the Waggy T Super Knockout Tournament, the day served as a reminder that football in Grenada is not merely a sport—it is a lifeline, a cultural force, a builder of identity and opportunity.

At Progress Park in St Andrew, the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme concluded on a lively note, with dozens of enthusiastic young footballers proudly displaying their skills in the form of a Football-Rama.

This programme is an important investment in Grenada’s sporting future. Grassroots development remains the foundation upon which every successful football nation is built. For many of these children, this is their first structured exposure to discipline, teamwork, and sporting excellence. It is where confidence is fostered, raw passion is guided, and long-term national prospects are planted.

In a country where talent often surpasses opportunity, the Oscar Andall programme fills a crucial gap—providing access, mentorship, and technical development at the earliest stages. These initiatives are important in shaping future stars such as Jason Roberts, Shalrie Joseph, and other national icons yet to emerge.

Meanwhile, at the Morne Rouge Playing Field, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation Inc. hosted its annual Kellon Baptiste Memorial Football Game—one of its two flagship events, now a cherished fixture in Grenada’s sporting calendar.

This event is a living tribute to Kellon’s remarkable dedication to youth development and community empowerment. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved tradition—where football, mentorship, remembrance, and inspiration come together to celebrate purpose.

This year’s edition amplified its impact as the Foundation welcomed Dominica’s first Olympic medallist, Thea LaFond, the triple jump gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver medallist at the 2025 World Championships. Her presence conveyed a powerful message to young Grenadians about perseverance, discipline, and the heights Caribbean athletes can achieve.

Joining her was Dr Kala Flagg, a highly regarded physical therapist, athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, serving as Head of Rehabilitation for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

Their contributions—through engagement, expertise, and visibility—elevated the event into a comprehensive developmental experience. Such programming not only honours Kellon’s memory but also actively builds the future he envisioned.

Just a few miles away, the Kirani James Athletic Stadium roared to life as the 15th Annual Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament wrapped up with its third-place playoff and championship final.

What Wayne Redhead and his team have achieved over 15 years is truly remarkable. The tournament

consistently attracts top teams from the Grenada Football Association Premier League, creating a competitive spectacle eagerly anticipated each season.

In an exhilarating final, Hurricane FC of St Mark triumphed, defeating the Premier League champions, St John’s Sports, to claim the title and the lion's share of the prize money. Earlier, FC Camerhogne proved its mettle by beating former champions Paradise FC International in the third-place playoff.

The tournament also acts as a financial lifeline for many local players. With over $150,000 in prize money this year alone, and an estimated over $2 million distributed over its history, Mr Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead has fostered a semi-professional ecosystem.

Mr Redhead deserves accolades for his consistency. His professional planning, marketing, and execution have demonstrated that football in Grenada can be a viable industry. His vision aligns with the broader goal of developing a semi-professional league structure.

The closing ceremony also recognised the heart of the tournament—the supporters. Loyal spectators like Lorna Browne and Dominic Clarke received awards, acknowledging that football is nothing without its fans.

Mr Wayne Redhead, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation, and the organisers of the Oscar Andall programme have laid the groundwork. It is now up to the private sector and the government to match this energy with capital and partnership, ensuring that the next generation of Grenadian talent has the platform they so richly deserve.

PHOTO CREDITS: Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead/JCS

COMMENTARY: Too Many Non-Functioning Sporting Associations in Grenada — It’s Time for Action

“Do the Work or Resign”: Call for Accountability Across Grenada’s Sporting Bodies

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s sporting landscape is at a crossroads. For far too long, too many of our national sporting associations have existed in name only—barely functional, rarely visible, and almost absent from the task of genuine sport development. The result is a sporting ecosystem in decline, where once-thriving disciplines now lie dormant, facilities crumble, and a generation of young athletes is left without proper guidance or opportunity.

On this weekend’s TalkSports programme, the issue was placed squarely under the microscope. The critique was blunt and overdue. National associations, the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC), and the Ministry of Sports all came in for strong criticism over their failure to ensure accountability and continuity in major sporting disciplines across the country.

Nowhere is this decay more glaring than in the sport of lawn tennis. Once a vibrant pillar of Grenadian youth development—thriving with afternoon training sessions, weekend matches, and an active adult community—tennis has all but vanished from the national conversation.

A recent visit to the Tanteen Tennis Courts revealed a facility in disrepair: cracked surfaces, neglected surroundings, and an unmistakable sense of abandonment. What once was a hub of promise now stands as an eyesore, a stark metaphor for administrative neglect.

Adding to the concern is the near-total silence from the Grenada Lawn Tennis Association. Few, if there were any, public statements. No development activities. No junior programmes. No tournaments. There is no clarity about who currently holds the presidency.

Since the retirement of stalwarts like Richie Hughes, tennis in Grenada has slipped into oblivion—a direct consequence of leadership that has either lost interest or lost direction.

Tennis is not alone. Across Grenada’s sporting landscape, several associations have become what can only be described as “travel outfits”—groups that appear only when regional or international trips are available yet remain invisible the rest of the year.

No grassroots programmes, no talent identification, no coaching development, no competitions, and no policy initiatives.

This behaviour is more than irresponsible; it is a betrayal of the athletes who depend on these organisations for structure, opportunity, and representation.

The message delivered on TalkSports could not have been clearer:

“You need to come out from wherever you are hiding and do something regarding sports—or relinquish your post.”

Grenada cannot afford absentee leadership. If executives are no longer willing or able to function, the honourable path is simple:

Call fresh elections, allow new energy, new ideas, and new leadership to take over, and stop occupying positions that you are not fulfilling.

Sport cannot progress on autopilot. Development requires work—consistent, visible, structured work—and associations that cannot meet this standard should step aside for those who can.

While national associations carry primary responsibility, oversight bodies must also answer tough questions.

Many of these dormant associations are affiliated with the GOC. This means the Olympic Committee has an obligation—not merely an option—to monitor their status, request reports, enforce compliance, and ensure that the organisations representing Grenada internationally are active and legitimate.

Although the Ministry of Sports cannot interfere with internal elections or governance, it can and must demand transparency and accountability from any association seeking financial or logistical support.

Before a cent is disbursed, the Ministry should require: A documented work plan, evidence of recent activity, a development strategy, a record of accomplishments, and clear goals and measurable outcomes.

Without these safeguards, public funds risk being poured into organisations that do little more than exist on paper.

The decline of multiple sports in Grenada is not just unfortunate—it is national neglect. Sports are critical to youth development, community cohesion, national identity, international representation, and economic potential.

If we continue to allow non-functional bodies to occupy leadership roles unchecked, the downward spiral will only worsen.

The public, the GOC, and the Ministry all share responsibility for demanding higher standards. Silence is no longer an option. Grenada’s athletes, coaches, parents, and communities deserve leadership that works—or leadership that steps aside.

As promised on TalkSports, this conversation is only beginning. Next week’s final programme will continue shining a light on the associations that remain dormant, unproductive, and unaccountable.

Because Grenada’s sports cannot—and must not—remain in this state of neglect.

PHOTO CREDITS: Akilah James/2018