In keeping with its mandate in assist affiliates when the need arises, the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc (SLFA) through its COVID-19 Assistance Program, continues to provide bursaries and laptops to selected young male and female footballers who meet the criteria. On Tuesday, September 15 at the SLFA office in La Clery, it was the final phase of the program which was officially launched a few weeks ago.
Speaking about the COVID-19 program made available through funding from FIFA, President of the SLFA Inc, Lyndon Cooper told the audience that included other SLFA officials, recipients of laptops and bursaries: “We would have known the economic impact COVID-19 has caused or has brought and we thought it was justifiable to convince FIFA to allow this program to unfold. Once again we want to welcome you and hope you make good use of the presentation and secondly, hope that you will remain in football and continue to make it your first sport of choice.”
Before signing off, Cooper mentioned that the Island Cup which officially got underway on September 15 at Canaries Playing Field, is a trial run in order to establish a mini professional football league sometime next year. In that regard, he said: “What the government has done this year as part of the trial run, is commit to giving the SLFA $250, 00.00 to manage the 2020 edition of the Island Cup. Based on that, we have always been extremely grateful and government has always been key partners of the St Lucia Football Association.”
Tuesday’s presentation consisted of footballers (or in some cases their representatives) in the north of the island, who met the following criteria: Must be a student in form one, two or three; From an economically disadvantaged family and have difficulty in accessing a device or supplies; Shows interest in school, studies and attends school regularly; Is respectful; Belongs to a licensed Club and is registered in the FIFA Connect Platform; May have represented your Club in National Football.
Following are the recipients who received either laptops or bursaries: Zaina Sandy, T ValleyFC (Bursary); Johntae Seraphine, 1987 Allstars (Bursary); Johran Phillip, CT Foundation (laptop); Safiya Octave, T Valley FC (Bursary); Tristan Zepherin, LA All-stars (laptop); Nathaniel Fontenelle, DCYO (laptop); Russel Lastic, Monchy FC (laptop).
