A risky own goal: Why the GFA should not have broken ranks with CONCACAF

by Michael Bascombe

When a football association as small as Grenada’s enters a dispute at the highest level of the world game, its position should be guided by one question: What best protects the long-term interests of football in Grenada?

The statement issued by the Grenada Football Association in support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino does not convincingly answer that question.

The GFA welcomed Infantino’s withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, praised his “swift action,” declared its commitment to good governance, and warned that it would not support any association or confederation seeking to undermine FIFA’s institutional processes.

It then reaffirmed its support for Infantino “for the years to come.”

That was not a neutral statement. Against the background of a FIFA presidential election in 2027, it sounded very much like an advance political endorsement. Its reference to actions by a “Member Association or Confederation” could also reasonably be interpreted as a rebuke of CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation, and UEFA.

The chronology matters.

On July 28, FIFA presented a plan to create a commercial subsidiary valued at US$20 billion and sell a minority interest of up to 20 per cent to outside investors, raising as much as US$4.2 billion. Member associations were told they could potentially access up to US$40 million each through expanded development funding and an optional Fast Forward programme.

The money would be extremely attractive to smaller associations. However, the size of the promised benefit made proper scrutiny even more important.

On July 29, Concacaf said it had learned about the proposal through media reports and expressed concern about the absence of consultation and due process.

The following day, CONCACAF said it convened the presidents of its 41 member associations. According to the official statement issued after that meeting, the membership rejected the proposal and instructed its representatives on the FIFA Council to address the matter through the procedures established in the FIFA Statutes.

That is an important point.

CONCACAF did not announce that it was abandoning FIFA’s institutional processes. It said it was using those processes. It instructed elected FIFA Council members to act within the FIFA system.

Infantino withdrew the proposal on July 31, after opposition spread across the football world. The withdrawal was necessary and should have been welcomed, but it was not a personal favour to Grenada or anyone else. The person who withdrew the proposal was also the person who advanced it.

Putting out a fire after the alarm has been raised does not erase the circumstances in which it started.

On August 10, the AFC, CONCACAF, and UEFA went further. Their joint open letter argued that the proposal had been pushed on a compressed timetable without meaningful consultation. They called for a fully independent review, rather than an investigation conducted by FIFA into itself.

The Caribbean Football Union, of which Grenada is a member, subsequently joined U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Central American Football Union in calling for meaningful changes to FIFA’s governance, transparency, and accountability.

Against that background, the GFA’s warning about confederations undermining FIFA’s processes appears misdirected. The regional bodies were demanding that proper processes be respected.

The GFA may continue to reject the substance of the Forward Enterprise proposal but objects to talk of boycotts, breakaways, or the removal of Infantino. If that is its position, it should say so plainly. The present statement mixes separate issues and offers loyalty to an individual without explaining what Grenadian football gains from doing so.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) chose a more responsible approach.

The GFF said the proposal was circulated to its Council for review. It convened an emergency meeting, considered the concerns of its members and stakeholders, and reported that the Council unanimously agreed to support CONCACAF’s position.

Guyana did not attack FIFA. It reaffirmed its willingness to work with FIFA, CONCACAF, and other associations while defending transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity.

That is what good governance looks like: a meeting, deliberation, a recorded decision, and an explanation to the public.

The GFA statement does not say whether its Council met, whether a vote was taken, or who authorised the pledge of support for Infantino. It also leaves several questions unanswered.

Was Grenada represented at the July 30 meeting of CONCACAF’s 41 presidents? Did the GFA support the collective rejection of the proposal? If it subsequently changed its position, when was that decision taken and by whom? Does “for the years to come” amount to an endorsement of Infantino’s 2027 candidacy?

These are fair questions because CONCACAF issued its original statement in the name of all 41 member associations, including Grenada.

Grenada is entitled to disagree with CONCACAF. Every FIFA member association has its own vote, and no confederation should dictate how that vote must be cast. Independence, however, does not mean isolation. Dissent should be based on a clearly stated football or governance principle, not on an open-ended pledge to one officeholder.

Supporting CONCACAF on this matter would not require the GFA to pledge personal loyalty to CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani either. It would mean supporting the regional position on due process, collective bargaining, and an independent review.

Grenada’s immediate football home is CONCACAF. The confederation provides a competitive pathway for senior national teams, youth teams, women’s football, and clubs. The 2026-27 Nations League, in which Grenada will compete in League B, includes all 41 associations and serves as the qualifying route to the 2027 Gold Cup.

Grenada has no fully professional domestic league, while the men’s national team is ranked 163rd in the world. Those realities make regional cooperation more important, not less.

A single Grenadian vote is valuable to anyone seeking the FIFA presidency. But one vote provides little bargaining power once the election is over. Grenada has far more influence when its concerns are carried collectively by 41 regional associations and supported by other confederations.

There is no question that FIFA funding has benefited Grenadian football. FIFA’s own impact page lists approximately US$4.74 million in completed and ongoing commitments for infrastructure, competitions, national team support, and other projects.

That support should be acknowledged. It should also be properly managed, audited, and measured against sustainable results.

However, FIFA Forward money is not a personal gift from Gianni Infantino. FIFA describes the programme in terms of financial entitlements available to every eligible member association, subject to approved projects, reporting requirements and independent audits.

The money comes from football’s commercial assets. It does not come from the private pocket of the FIFA president.

That distinction is important. Once institutional funding is presented as the generosity of one man, gratitude can easily be converted into political loyalty.

International reporting has already highlighted this danger. Reuters reported that smaller associations dependent on FIFA funding could be important to Infantino’s political survival. Critics of the system argue that legitimate development funding can also create a relationship in which financial power produces political influence.

That does not prove that the GFA or any of its officials was promised a personal benefit. No such evidence is in the public domain, and it would be irresponsible to present suspicion as fact.

Nevertheless, the GFA created an unfortunate perception. It thanked one man for institutional funding, criticised unnamed confederations, and pledged its support “for the years to come.” If the statement was not intended to secure future access, favourable treatment, or goodwill from the FIFA leadership, the Association should explain what national football objective it was designed to achieve.

Travel by national teams is welcome, but travel alone is not a development strategy. Grenadian football must still confront the absence of a professional league, limited infrastructure, player-development challenges, and a men’s team sitting 163rd in the world.

Cabo Verde’s World Cup appearance, cited by the GFA, is an inspiring achievement. It should not be reduced to the benevolence of a FIFA president. It reflects the work of players, coaches, administrators, clubs, the diaspora, and years of national planning.

The wiser GFA statement would have welcomed the withdrawal, acknowledged FIFA’s development assistance, supported an independent review, and reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to working with FIFA, CONCACAF, and the CFU.

That would have preserved Grenada’s independence without placing the Association on the wrong side of its own region.

Small associations need strong rules even more than powerful ones do. If development funding is treated as a favour that must be repaid with loyalty, it stops being an entitlement and becomes leverage.

The GFA may have gained attention in Zurich by declaring its support for Infantino. What it risked losing at home and within the region was something more valuable: its credibility.

Grenada captures track and field title at Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games

by Michael Bascombe

CASTRIES, St Lucia, July 27, 2026 – Grenada captured the Track and Field Championships at the Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games, which opened here on Saturday.

The Grenadian athletes amassed 282 points to finish comfortably ahead of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which placed second with 220 points. Dominica finished third with 207 points, while host country St Lucia scored 193.

Grenada also topped the men’s and women’s team standings. The men accumulated 140 points, while the women finished with 142.

Annalisa Brown led Grenada’s impressive performance and is in line to be named the championships’ most outstanding athlete after winning five gold medals.

Brown won the women’s 400 metres, 800m and 1500m before helping Grenada to victory in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The highlight was her personal best time of 53.83 seconds over the 400m.

Grenada also recorded victories in football, netball, and both volleyball divisions on Sunday.

The male volleyball team defeated Dominica 3-1. After losing the opening set 18-25, Grenada recovered to win the next three sets 25-23, 25-11 and 25-17.

Grenada also overcame Dominica 3-2 in female volleyball. Dominica won the opening set 26-24, but Grenada responded by taking the next two sets 25-16 and 25-7. Dominica forced a deciding set by winning the fourth 25-21 before Grenada completed the victory 15-11.

In football, Grenada edged Dominica 2-1, with Che Charles and Kelroy Peters scoring the goals.

The Grenadian netballers also made a strong start, defeating defending champions St Vincent and the Grenadines 31-20.

Assistant team manager and one of the team coaches, Latisha Collymore, said the team remained in high spirits. With the track and field title already secured, she said the focus was now on carrying that winning momentum into the other sporting disciplines.

Teams from Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are competing in basketball, football, netball, track and field, and volleyball. 

Watch the opening ceremony and track and field championships 

Whittaker: Administration, coaching and investment key to Caribbean World Cup return

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 25, 2026 – Caribbean sports broadcaster Lance Whittaker believes efficient administration, strategic coaching, and greater financial investment are essential for an English-speaking Caribbean team to return to the FIFA World Cup.

Whittaker, appearing as a guest on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, said the quality of football talent across the region was not in question. However, he stressed that talent alone would not be enough without the proper structures and decision-making in place.

“I think there is quality in the talent available, but to succeed in football, a lot of precision needs to be executed, both from an administrative and a coaching standpoint,” Whittaker said.

He pointed to Jamaica’s unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the country had a strong opportunity but was ultimately let down by shortcomings in key areas.

“Jamaicans will tell you that on both fronts, administratively and coaching-wise, Jamaica let themselves down because they had a really grand opportunity to appear at the 2026 World Cup football finals,” he said.

Whittaker identified three areas that regional football authorities must address if they are serious about competing successfully at the international level.

“Efficient administration, high-quality and strategic coaching, and investment in money are the factors for me that can get an English-speaking Caribbean team back at the World Cup,” he said.

The veteran broadcaster also referred to discussions surrounding the possibility of the World Cup being expanded from 48 to 64 teams, which he believes could create additional opportunities for Caribbean countries.

“We heard Gianni Infantino talking about a 64-team World Cup next time and not 48, which means that the window is opening up, if it happens, for more teams to get in,” Whittaker said.

He noted that Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have previously qualified for the tournament, demonstrating that English-speaking Caribbean countries are capable of reaching football’s biggest stage.

“There’s no reason why they can’t,” he said. “But they have to invest properly, and the administrators of these football programmes and the coaches have to know exactly what they’re doing and make good decisions, because there is the potential to get back there as English-speaking Caribbean teams.”

Watch the entire programme 

Debellotte says school systems must better support sporting development

by Michael Bascombe 

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 12, 2026 - Former Grenada national football coach Ali Debellotte believes the country's education system needs to do more to support the development of young athletes, arguing that many promising footballers are being lost because they are unable to combine their studies with sport.

Debellotte made the comments during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on Saturday while discussing lessons Caribbean countries can learn from the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

He said the development of football begins in the schools and that the present structure is limiting opportunities for many talented players.

"I think Caribbean football has to shift, and it comes from school. It comes from school in Grenada," he said.

Using the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) as an example, Debellotte said he has observed talented footballers who are enrolled in academic programmes that do not include sport, preventing them from representing the institution.

"There are several sports programmes at TAMCC, but students are placed according to the subjects they are studying," he said. "You see these guys who are playing good football, but they are in another class where they don't have to do sport."

He questioned why national players attending the college were not automatically involved in its sporting programme.

"Here you are with two or three national players at TAMCC, but they are not in the sports programme. I ask them why they are not playing football, and they tell me, 'Coach, we are not in that programme.'"

Debellotte believes the situation has had an impact on the progression of players through Grenada's national youth teams.

He pointed to the country's Under-15 programme, noting that many of the players identified four years ago have not progressed to the Under-19 national team.

"When you look at the Under-15 team from four years ago, only two or three of those players are on the Under-19 team. Something has to be wrong," he said.

"You play Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17, and then you can't make the Under-19 team."

According to Debellotte, one of the reasons is that students are increasingly forced to prioritise academics over sport.

"More emphasis is on school and no more on the playing," he said.

He questioned why other countries have found ways to combine education and sport successfully while Grenada and other Caribbean nations continue to struggle.

"All around the world they seem to be able to match education and sport, but we can't do it in Grenada, or maybe in most of the Caribbean islands," he said. "Some of the problems we have in sport today, I could tell you, in Grenada, it starts in the school."

Debellotte believes that unless young athletes are given greater opportunities to continue their sporting development while pursuing their education, Grenada will continue to face challenges in producing players capable of progressing through the national ranks.

Watch the entire programme 

Electoral Reforms and Good Governance in Grenadian Sports

by Michael Bascombe

Another election season in Grenadian sports has come and gone, and once again, questions have surfaced about governance, transparency, and the credibility of electoral systems within some sporting organisations.

The latest discussions surrounding the elections of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) should serve as a wake-up call for sporting bodies across the country. While congratulations are certainly in order to Marlon Glean and his team on being returned unopposed for a second term at the helm of the association, the circumstances leading up to the elections also highlighted the urgent need for stronger electoral systems and governance reforms within sport.

There is absolutely no reason why disputes within sporting organisations should consistently end up requiring legal intervention or public controversy. Elections should be clear, transparent, credible, and guided by constitutions that are modern, properly interpreted, and understood by all stakeholders.

Time after time, allegations emerge whenever elections are due, concerning voter eligibility, club representation, constitutional interpretation, membership status, or the fairness of the process. Recommendations are often made afterwards, but very little changes.

One of the major challenges is that many sporting organisations in Grenada still lack strong and functional club structures. In some instances, clubs are inactive except during election periods. Without vibrant year-round club participation, there is little pressure for accountability, reform, or constitutional modernisation.

The issue is not isolated to football alone. Over the years, there have also been lingering concerns and tensions involving veteran sports administrator George “Goatie” Robinson and the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC).

Robinson, who previously served on the GOC executive between 1984 and 1994, has maintained a long-standing and adversarial relationship with the organisation’s leadership. In recent years, he has openly challenged aspects of the committee’s governance structure and constitutional operations, even calling for restructuring within the organisation due to what he alleges are constitutional breaches.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Robinson’s position, the broader issue remains relevant. When experienced administrators, former executives, athletes, clubs, or stakeholders consistently raise governance concerns, sporting organisations should not simply dismiss them as personal disagreements or political rivalry. Such concerns should encourage dialogue, constitutional review, and greater transparency.

Good governance in sports is not simply about elections. It is about protecting the integrity and future of organisations that are responsible for developing athletes, managing public funds, attracting sponsors, and representing Grenada regionally and internationally.

Strong governance creates confidence among athletes, coaches, sponsors, parents, supporters, and international partners. Sponsors are more willing to invest when organisations are stable and transparent. Athletes feel more secure when selection policies, disciplinary procedures, and developmental programmes are clearly established and fairly administered.

Good governance also reduces internal conflicts that often divide sporting disciplines and distract from athlete development. Far too often in the Caribbean, valuable energy is spent on administrative disputes instead of building programmes, improving facilities, and supporting athletes.

Sporting organisations must understand that they are no longer simply community clubs operating informally. Modern sport is now deeply connected to business, tourism, youth development, education, broadcasting, and national identity. That requires professionalism.

There must be regular constitutional reviews, clear electoral guidelines, independent electoral committees where necessary, proper membership records, financial transparency, and stronger communication with stakeholders.

Sporting bodies should place greater emphasis on succession planning and leadership development. Healthy organisations should encourage participation, fresh ideas, and healthy competition for leadership positions, not confusion, division, or uncertainty whenever elections arise.

Grenada has made significant progress in sports over the years, from athletics to football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and other disciplines. However, if the administrative structures are weak, the overall development of sport will eventually suffer.

Perhaps the time has come for a broader national discussion involving sporting organisations, the Ministry of Sports, the GOC, legal minds, and governance experts on establishing minimum governance standards for national sporting associations.

Because in the end, good governance is not only about who wins elections. It is about protecting the future of Grenadian sport.

Grenadian-American Dahnay Mark commits to Andrew College ‘soccer’ programme

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, April 15, 2026 — An American soccer player with Grenadian roots has secured an opportunity to continue his development at the collegiate level after committing to Andrew College in the U.S. state of Georgia.

Dahnay Mark, the son of well-known Grenadian media manager Hamlet Mark, is among two players from the Florida-based Cooper City Cobras to earn commitments to the Georgia institution.

The Cooper City Cobras have built a reputation within the Broward County junior leagues as a competitive and structured organisation focused on developing young athletes through disciplined coaching and consistent exposure. Mark’s performances within that system helped lay the foundation for his transition to the high school level and now, collegiate football.

Mark’s performances with the Cobras, combined with his standout displays at Hollywood Hills High School, have set him apart as one of the emerging talents in his area. Notably, he was the only player from his school to be selected to the High School All-Star team at the end of the season.

Andrew College, located in Cuthbert, Georgia, competes at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I level and fields its teams under the “Fighting Tigers” banner. The institution sponsors 14 sports and is a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, providing student-athletes with a competitive environment and a pathway to four-year programmes.

In a notable development, Andrew College is set to transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) effective July 1, 2026.

Broadcast infrastructure must be a priority in Grenada’s sporting facilities

by Michael Bascombe

There is a growing reality in Grenada’s sporting landscape that can no longer be ignored: sport is no longer confined to the spectators inside the venue. It is now a product consumed globally, in real time, through television and digital platforms. Yet, despite this evolution, the design and infrastructure of some of our key sporting facilities have not kept pace.

At both the Kirani James Athletic Stadium and the Grenada National Cricket Stadium, there are no fixed, purpose-built camera positions. This oversight continues to create challenges for broadcasters, who are often forced to improvise, occupying vantage points that were never intended for television production. The result? Obstructed views for patrons, including VIPs, and less-than-optimal broadcast quality for audiences at home.

This is not merely a technical inconvenience; it is a missed opportunity.

Broadcasting is no longer a luxury; it is an important component of modern sport. It enhances visibility,

drives sponsorship and promotes athletes. When camera positions are not strategically integrated into stadium design, the entire product suffers. Angles are compromised, and the viewer experience, arguably the largest audience of all, is diminished.

Equally concerning is the apparent lack of consultation during the planning and construction phases of these facilities. Broadcasters, former athletes, coaches, and sports administrators all bring valuable, practical input. Their lived experiences could inform decisions on sightlines, commentary positions, mixed zones, lighting, and technical infrastructure. Yet too often, these voices are absent from the conversation.

As Grenada looks ahead to future projects such as the proposed National Aquatic Centre and the continued development of the La Sagesse Playing Field in St David, there is an opportunity to correct course. These facilities must be designed with a holistic vision, one that accommodates not only athletes and spectators but also the demands of modern broadcasting.

Simple considerations can make a significant difference, including dedicated camera gantries at strategic angles; elevated, unobstructed platforms for primary broadcast cameras; clearly defined media zones; integrated cabling and power infrastructure; and commentary boxes designed for professional production.

These are not extravagant additions. They are standard requirements in today’s sporting world.

Grenada has made commendable strides in hosting regional and international events, particularly in athletics and cricket. However, if we are serious about positioning ourselves as a premier sporting destination in the Caribbean, then our facilities must reflect global standards.

The conversation must shift from building venues to building complete sporting experiences. The next generation of sporting facilities must be built with that reality firmly in focus.

InterCol at a Crossroads: Fourteen Years Later, the Call for Reform Remains

by Michael Bascombe

Fourteen years ago, I penned a commentary titled “Urgent Overhaul of InterCol Champs Needed.” At the time, it was a call to action, one rooted in the belief that Grenada’s premier secondary schools’ athletics championships had outgrown their structure and required a more strategic approach.

Today, in 2026, that call still echoes.

To be fair, the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships, known as InterCol, has evolved tremendously. What was once a school-based competition has now become a national spectacle, arguably second only to Spicemas in terms of public interest, participation, and cultural significance. The energy at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium each year is evidence of its power, packed stands, school colours, and a level of competition that continues to inspire.

The reality is that InterCol has outgrown its traditional framework. While the Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (GAPSS) has done commendable work in organising the championships over the years, the scale and impact of the event now demand a more permanent and professionalised management structure.

This is not about removing GAPSS from the process, far from it. Instead, it is about strengthening the foundation through a dedicated body or secretariat that works year-round, ensuring continuity, planning, and execution at the highest level. If we can establish and maintain a structured entity to manage Spicemas, then we can do the same for one of the nation’s most important sporting events.

Such a structure should involve key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Sports, working collaboratively with GAPSS. This would allow for a more coordinated approach, not just to InterCol, but to the broader development of secondary school sports across Grenada.

Because InterCol is no longer just an event. It is a product. And like any product, it requires strategic planning, branding, marketing, and investment.

Several areas require urgent attention, including Marketing and Promotion; Sponsorship and Commercialisation; Broadcast and Production; Athlete Development; Event Management and Logistics; and the Expansion of School Sports.

InterCol deserves a year-round promotional strategy. The stories of the athletes, the rivalries between schools, and the journey to the championships should be told consistently across traditional and digital media. This is how you build anticipation and deepen national engagement.

Corporate Grenada must be given a clearer, more structured opportunity to invest. With proper packaging, InterCol can attract significant sponsorship, easing the financial burden on schools and organisers while enhancing the overall quality of the event.

The championships have already shown their potential as a broadcast product. However, there is a need for standardised, high-quality production, complete with graphics, athlete profiles, real-time results, and expert commentary to match regional and international standards. This is important, especially with Grenada positioning itself as a host of major events such as the CARIFTA Games.

InterCol should be integrated into a clear national development pathway. It must not be viewed as the final destination, but rather as a stepping stone to higher levels, CARIFTA Games, collegiate athletics, and beyond.

From scheduling to athlete management, medical services to crowd control, there must be a professionalised approach that reduces inefficiencies and enhances the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Perhaps most importantly, this proposed structure could oversee not only athletics but a wider programme of secondary school sports. Basketball, football, cricket, swimming and volleyball could all benefit from the same level of organisation and visibility, creating a true culture of school-based sport development.

InterCol has reached a point where passion alone is no longer enough. It now requires policy, planning, and professionalism.

Fourteen years later, the conversation must move from suggestion to implementation.

Grenada has the talent and enthusiasm. What is needed now is the structure to match.

Previous commentary: https://mikebas.blogspot.com/2012/03/urgent-overhaul-of-intercol-champs.html  

New GSAL–GNG Proposal Targets Long-Standing Gaps in School Sports

 

Proposed GSAL Could Reshape the Future of School Sports in Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

Grenadians are encouraged to play an active role in the island’s national development, not only through participation but also by contributing ideas, frameworks and innovative projects. One such proposal—rooted in proven international practice and adapted to local realities—is now gaining renewed attention in sporting circles.

A Grenadian, who is himself a product of the highly structured Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) system in New York, has been sharing a similar concept with stakeholders in Grenada. Mr Axel Joseph, who first discussed the idea on the TalkSports programme nearly two years ago, has started to advance the conversation with various stakeholders.

At the heart of the proposal is the establishment of the Grenada Schools Athletic League (GSAL)—a structured, data-driven, and development-oriented school sports league. In its initial phase, GSAL would involve seven sporting disciplines: Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Netball, Track & Field, and Volleyball. Competitions would be organised across Under-13, Under-15, and Under-18 age categories, with an emphasis on proper scheduling, standardised rules, and athlete welfare.

Beyond competition, GSAL is designed to introduce modern sporting management practices into school sports. These include rankings, performance statistics, eligibility monitoring, and clearly defined development pathways. Importantly, GSAL would also serve as a feeder system into a proposed Grenada National Games (GNG)—a multi-sport event to be staged every two years, showcasing talent emerging from schools and communities across the island.

The proposal outlines clear roles and responsibilities for key institutions.

The Ministry of Sports would provide national policy direction and governance oversight, coordinate with the Sports Council, Federations and GSAL, support national talent development pathways, manage facilities and event readiness, facilitate commercial partnerships and sponsorships, and ensure monitoring and evaluation of sports programmes.

The Ministry of Education would play a critical role by aligning GSAL and GNG schedules with examination periods, supporting the participation of all secondary schools, ensuring athlete eligibility and academic compliance, enforcing safeguarding and child protection standards, overseeing medical requirements, and coordinating with the Grenada Secondary Schools Principals’ Games Association (GSSPGA).

The Principals' Association would be responsible for registering schools, enforcing eligibility and discipline, ensuring academic alignment, and holding representation on the GSAL Council—thereby strengthening ownership at the school level.

National Federations would provide technical oversight, including rules, officials, referees, and coaching standards, utilise GSAL results for youth national team selection, and sit on GSAL technical committees to ensure alignment with regional and international standards.

The importance of this proposal cannot be overstated. School sports in Grenada are evolving, but they are also facing growing challenges—fragmented competitions, inconsistent scheduling, limited data, uneven access to facilities, and weak links between schools and national programmes. A structured league such as GSAL, supported by an inclusive national showcase like the GNG, offers a pathway to address long-standing structural deficiencies while preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition.

TalkSports gives unconditional and full support to this initiative, noting that Grenada’s National Sports Policy explicitly encourages innovation, collaboration, and stakeholder-driven solutions. The GSAL and GNG concept represents exactly the type of forward-thinking framework needed to modernise school sports, strengthen talent identification, and ensure that sport continues to play its rightful role in youth development, education, and nation-building.

The proposal for the Grenada Schools Athletic League and the National Games represents a shift from "playing games" to "building an industry." It treats the student-athlete as a valuable national asset.

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

The National Sports Council Must Reclaim Its Voice and Its Vision

Commentary 

by Michael Bascombe

In a period when Grenadian sport is poised for major transformation, the silence from the National Sports Council (NSC) and its Parish Sports Councils (PSCs) has become glaring. This silence is not merely administrative—it is a missed opportunity to shape, guide, and energise a sporting nation that is undergoing historic change.

Over the past several months, the Government of Grenada has rolled out significant infrastructural and capacity-building initiatives: the long-anticipated lighting of Progress Park, improvements to the Telescope Playing Field, the start of work to light the National Cricket Stadium, and preparations for a string of major regional and international competitions. Yet the agencies legally mandated to champion community sport, nurture development pathways, and mobilise grassroots engagement have remained noticeably absent from public discourse.

This must change.

The NSC’s central role is to develop, promote, and coordinate sport nationwide. Its Parish Sports Councils serve as the boots on the ground—engaging communities, identifying talent, maintaining facilities, and cultivating the next generation of athletes, coaches, and administrators. At a time like this, their involvement is not optional; it is essential.

Within the span of a single month, Grenada has hosted or is hosting high-profile events:

The OECS Table Tennis Championships, the recent Secondary Schools’ Football Tournament, the ongoing Waggy T  Super Knock-Out Football Tournament, and the West Indies vs England Under-19 cricket series at the National Stadium are among the sporting activities.

These are not merely competitions—they are moments to inspire, mobilise supporters, and signal Grenada’s readiness for bigger things ahead, including CARIFTA Games 2026. The NSC should lead public engagement, coordinate parish outreach, support logistics, and drive attendance. Instead, there has been silence.

During the recent TalkSports programme, an overwhelming number of viewers expressed support for establishing a national sports archive. This speaks to a deep hunger for recognition and memory in Grenadian sport. Too many stories have already faded. Too many achievements, struggles, and community contributions remain undocumented.

Former national cricketer, footballer, and coach Ali Debellotte made a powerful suggestion: that each Parish Sports Council should take responsibility for documenting, compiling, and safeguarding the sporting history of its parish. This is precisely the kind of grassroots-driven, community-preserving initiative the NSC should be championing.

We know the names of our recent giants—Alleyne Francique, Kirani James, Lindon Victor, and Anderson Peters. But what of the generations before them?

What of the trailblazers who wore the national colours in an era with no social media, little financial support, and limited global visibility? What of the women whose contributions remain almost entirely undocumented?

What of the home-grown coaches, administrators, and community champions who built the foundations of sport in River Road, Victoria, Gouyave, St David’s, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique?

Without deliberate action, these stories will be lost forever.

Documenting our history is not an exercise in nostalgia—it is a necessary pillar of national development.

A national sports archive ensures that our heroes are remembered, celebrated, and understood. It allows future generations to know where we came from and what we have overcome. Every parish has its legends—players, coaches, teams, rivalries, and community tournaments. Recording these stories strengthens social bonds and deepens local pride.

Understanding our historical achievements helps identify what worked, what didn’t, and where our athlete pipelines have succeeded and failed. Sports development requires institutional memory. Without documentation, each generation is forced to start from scratch. That weakens the system.

A curated sporting archive—physical and digital—can become a powerful attraction for diaspora, researchers, and young athletes. It builds the narrative of a proud sporting nation.

The NSC and its Parish Sports Councils are uniquely positioned to assume this historic responsibility. Their mandate and geographic reach allow them to conduct parish-level interviews with former athletes and administrators and to archive photographs, newspapers, medals, trophies, and memorabilia. It also hosts community “memory days” and oral-history sessions, catalogues sporting facilities and their evolution over time, and partners with schools, clubs, and local historians. It can also collaborate with media professionals and archivists to digitise records.

This is not a luxury project—it is nation-building.

As Grenada continues to invest in infrastructure, talent development, and international hosting, we must also invest in our story. The NSC must find its voice again. The PSCs must re-engage their communities. And together, they must ensure that the soul of Grenadian sport—its history, its people, and its identity—is preserved for generations.

Silence cannot continue when the future is calling.

Progress Park Lights to Transform St Andrew’s Sporting Landscape

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada, August 21, 2025 – The long-awaited installation of lights at Progress Park, the premier sporting facility in the parish of St Andrew, is finally underway. Engineers were seen this week mounting the towering light structures, signalling the Government of Grenada’s fulfilment of a commitment made to enhance the island’s sporting infrastructure.

The development is being hailed as a historic moment for the people of St. Andrew — affectionately known as the “Big Parish” — and especially for the athletes and community groups who have relied on Progress Park for decades. Until now, the venue has been limited to hosting events during daylight hours, which has restricted opportunities for both sports and cultural activities.

With the addition of lighting, the ground will now be capable of staging night cricket, football, athletics, and community festivals, opening a new era for the facility and the wider parish.

“With the long-awaited Progress Park lighting now underway, we’ve only just gotten started,” said Sports Minister Delma Thomas in a social media post on Thursday.

“This is great news for our sporting community,” said one local cricket enthusiast. “For years, we dreamed of seeing Progress Park light up the night, and now it’s finally happening. It means more opportunities for our youth and more entertainment for our parish.”

Progress Park has long been a cornerstone of Grenadian sports outside of St George’s, serving as a

training ground for schools, hosting inter-parish competitions, and welcoming regional teams. Generations of athletes have cut their teeth on its outfield, and the venue holds a deep cultural significance for residents of the north-east of the island.

The installation of lights not only improves sporting capacity but also reflects a wider push for community development through infrastructure investment. Once completed, Progress Park will be one of the few venues outside of the capital capable of hosting high-profile evening events, easing the concentration of activities in St George’s and providing greater access to entertainment and competition for rural communities.

According to Minister Thomas, the upgrade is part of the Government’s broader strategy to invest in sports as a driver of youth engagement, community unity, and national pride. Officials have also hinted that Progress Park could see further enhancements in the future, including improved seating and amenities.

For now, the people of St Andrew are celebrating a long-overdue step forward. Soon, the glow of floodlights will bathe the famous ground, ensuring that the sporting and cultural heartbeat of "Big Parish" continues well into the night.

Video Courtesy Kern Mason

Reconnecting communities through sporting clubs

by Carole Beckford

Jamaica’s communities are in need of a social network to reconnect them and help them feel at home. So much of what community life was like up to 30 years ago is missing, and I suggest that the network of cricket and football clubs can reignite some of that passion and togetherness in communities. 

There are 14 Premier League football teams that compete for national honours and are based on matriculation, spread across the island. Meanwhile, cricket has up to 20 clubs, including parish teams and those with a wider reach. 

I propose that we establish a subscription process to galvanise support, while also mobilising individuals in the communities to feel a part of their respective teams. 

Membership is one way where you pay a small fee and you get to have access to the club’s schedule, home and away; you can purchase team merchandise at reduced cost; you may even get to travel with the team for overseas assignments. Most of these teams have a clubhouse where games are held, and there are several ways to participate in the club’s activities and events. 

Volunteering is a great way to start. 

Becoming a volunteer for a club is probably one of the best ways to get in. That can include anything from ensuring the clubhouse is clean for matches, preparing benches for both home and away teams, providing hydration for the teams, to attending practice so you can meet the players and management. Speaking of management, this would need to go through them so they can track the available personnel. Once that list grows, a roster is established for the season. 

Club Management 

The management must reach out to the wider community through schools – primary, high, and college; the church; and service clubs. It is then very important to know who the businesspeople are. That kind of connection creates the network that will form the basis of your support for at least three seasons. This is hard work, as a database will need to be created so you can reach as many people as possible. 

Engaging those close to you is important, and as many of the management team as possible should participate. 

Social Investment 

When you come from a community and its teams have people from the community with family ties, you almost feel obligated to get involved. The incentive is evident when the team performs well in competitions, and the community then senses growth and progress over a consistent period of time. 

The Venue (Club House) 

The venue is primarily for the sport but also serves as a space where the community can utilise it for appropriate events. At this level, there are other ways to participate, either as a member of the team organising the event or as a paying patron. If the venue is multi-faceted, that is more beneficial as the income generation potential is an attraction to other investors. 

There are existing templates for this, and they should be allowed to be used to reconnect the communities. The man/woman on the ground connects to a school, college, church and office, why not a sports club? 

Let’s get this show on the road. 

Part II will examine a sample club in closer detail to see how the method can be practised. Until next time. One Love!

 

Carole Beckford (@carolebeckford) is a marketing and communications specialist

Grenada Football Association (GFA) concludes Four-Day Elite Youth Coaches’ Workshop

St George’s, Grenada, July 19, 2025 — The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has successfully concluded the FIFA Elite Coaches’ Workshop, a four-day programme aimed at raising the standard of football coaching on the island. 

Held at the FA Secretariat, the workshop brought together coaches from various levels of the sport to engage in advanced training focused on modern coaching techniques, player development strategies, and high-performance principles.

The sessions were facilitated by FIFA technical experts Callum Irving, Simon Jennings, and Margret Kratz, with oversight from Ian Greenwood, FIFA Regional Technical Consultant. Participants were exposed to interactive modules and global best practices designed to strengthen their tactical knowledge and leadership skills.

GFA General Secretary Carl Lee described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for Grenadian football, expressing gratitude to FIFA for its continued partnership.

He emphasised that the expertise shared will empower local coaches to better nurture the next generation of talent and drive the sport forward.

Jason Roberts Foundation receive second year of funding from UK Home Office

LONDON, June 19, 2012 - The Jason Roberts Foundation is pleased to announce they have been awarded a second year of funding with a grant of £9,600 to continue their Respect Brent CAGGK Project tackling youth crime in Brent.

The Respect Brent CAGGK Project is financed by the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund.

Over the last year the project has delivered, from the Stonebridge Pavilion in Brent, a weekly programme of sports based activities, including football and basketball, to deter gang related activity and promote community cohesion.

The project has been supported by a volunteer and mentoring programme to provide training and progression routes to participants. A number of non-accredited workshops have also been delivered including; What is a gang, Conflict Resolution, Peer Mentoring Training and Gun and Crime Culture – to educate young people from the local area on these issues, and to encourage them to take ownership of the project and their community.

Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation said, “The Respect Brent CAGGK Project has been a great success over the last year, and we are grateful to have received further funding from the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund. During 2011/12 we have seen over 350 young people regularly attending our sports and gang prevention programmes. By providing regular and structured activities we are creating a safe and familiar environment for local young people to come to and spend their time. This additional funding will enable us to continue the project and to expand this work by delivering additional sessions and providing pathways into volunteering, employment and further education.”

Click on the link to see an interview with two of the participants involved in Corner League – a 12-week football tournament with young people from local estates including Chalk Hill, Church Road, Harlesden, Stonebridge Sudbury and Wilesden, coming together every Monday demonstrating they were able to unite using a common interest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavU05EPDiM&feature=youtu.be

The Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives (CAGGK) fund will provide £4 million for the voluntary and community sector over the next two years: £2 million was made available during 2011/12 and a further £2 million during 2012/13.

The funding criteria are focused on voluntary sector organisations working with young people at risk of involvement in gang, gun and knife crime or to support those who are involved to leave.

Each successful organisation will receive up to £10,000 each per year to prevent the involvement of teenagers in gun, gang and knife crime.

The Home Office has committed £18 million of funding for 2011-2013 to support the police, local agencies and the voluntary sector to tackle knife, gun and gang-related violence and prevent young people entering a cycle of crime.

The funding will support enforcement and prevention work by police in three crime hotspot areas. It will sit alongside positive activities for young people and local work to bring about long-term changes in attitudes and behaviours. The money includes up to:

·         £3.75 million for the three police forces areas where more than half of the country’s knife crime occurs – London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

·         £4 million for local voluntary organisations across England and Wales working with young people to stop involvement in knife and gang violence – the Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives Fund.

·         £10 million for prevention and diversionary activities and engagement with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, including knife related violence, through the Positive Futures Programme.

·        £250,000 for one further year of the Ben Kinsella fund for young people to run anti-knife crime projects in their local area.

The funding will run from April 2011 to March 2013, when police and crime commissioners will be in place.

To read more about the work of the Home Office on Knife, gun and gang-related violence visithttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/knife-gun-gang-youth-violence/

If you would like more information about the Foundation’s Respect Brent – CAGGK Project or would like to get involved please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org

For more information about the work of the Foundation please visit www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com

PetroCaribe Grenada sponsors Queen's Park Rangers FC

ST GEORGE’S, June 5, 2012 - Queen’s Park Rangers FC has a new sponsor.

The River Road-based sporting organisation will benefit from a three-year agreement signed with PetroCaribe Grenada Ltd on Tuesday.

QPR will receive EC$30,000.00 by way of sponsorship finance for the year 2012-2013, with the intention of continuing the sponsorship at that level for three years, in the first instance.

PetroCaribe has also agreed on a performance incentive, not exceeding $10,000.00 over the sponsorship period.

For the duration of the sponsorship, the club will now be known as PetroCaribe Queen’s Park Rangers FC.

Tuesday’s signing was penned by Mr Jerome Joseph, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PetroCaribe Grenada and Mr David “Bumpy” Griffith, President of QPR.

The signing was witnessed by Mr Vincent Roberts, Director of PetroCaribe Grenada and Mr Roy Frederick, General Secretary of QPR.

The Jason Roberts Foundation promotes family fitness

LONDON, UK, April 17, 2012 - While Jason Roberts is helping Reading Football Club with their promotion hopes, he took time out from his training schedule to do some training closer to home – with members of his family.

The striker was joined by his uncles - former professional footballers - Cyrille Regis, David Regis and Otis Roberts, his sister – track and field athlete and Olympic hopeful - Yasmine Regis and Kenelm Robert – squash player - in a training session to help promote the Foundation’s new Family Health & Fitness programme that is starting later this month.

The programme – which has been funded by the Premier League & PFA Community Fund - is designed to encourage families to get fit and to spend more time together. The year-long programme is split into 8-week terms where families can engage in a wide range of sporting activities led by qualified coaches. These weekly sessions will be held early evening each Wednesday. The Foundation will be offering wellness evaluations, expert advice on diet and nutrition, free First Aid training courses and “Sport for all” days for the local community, and there will be prizes for families with the best attendance and best results.

Jason Roberts said, “I am delighted that the Foundation has been chosen by the Premier League and PFA to receive funding from their Community Fund to support our Family Fitness Programme. My family have always been a great inspiration to me, and I believe parents and children can encourage each other to get fit and active by playing sport together.” 

Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League said “The Premier League is committed to using the power of football to make a positive difference in our communities. Football has the ability to engage, motivate and inspire and through the excellent work of Jason Roberts and his family, this programme sends a powerful message of how sports participation can promote family health”.

For more information or if you would like to register your family on the programme please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org or phone 0208 963 9179. For more information about the work of the Foundation please visitwww.jasonrobertsfoundation.com.

In the photo from left to right: Kenelm Roberts, Cyrille Regis, David Regis, Otis Roberts, Jason Roberts & Yasmine Regis