FPATT looking forward to a productive 2008 FPATT are welcoming the new year and the start of a bright new era for football in Trinidad & Tobago.
President, Shaka Hislop said " 2007 has seen the emergence of FPATT as the voice not just of professional footballers in T&T, but also the islands football supporters. Now that we feel the Association is firmly established, we hope to carry the views of players and supporters alike to the authorities and help to shape the future of football in T&T"
FPATT was officially launched in May and since then has begun to consolidate the support of players both at home and abroad. "We had many unforseen obstacles to overcome" said Brent Sancho, one of the forces behind the creation of FPATT. "Lack of funds has been our main struggle. Its great to have the ideas, but without businesses donating funds, they will just remain as ideas."
International Development Manager, Kevin Harrison agreed. "Our one big disapointment has been the level of support from fans, both in T&T and in the UK. We organised 2 fun day matches in Trinidad & Tobago and two fundraising events in London. Although players like Stern John, Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards attended, the turn out from the supporters was low. However, I must thank the efforts made by both the SocaWarriors.net and Warrior Nation websites and their members for their support this year."
Vice President Clayton Morris said the highlight of his first year with FPATT was the FIFPro conference in Barcelona. " It was heartwarming to see the welcome and support we received from players associations from across the globe. We really felt we have been accepted into the global football family. It was also inspiring to recognise the power and respect now held in the hands of footballers through their unions."
Kelvin Jack, another co founder of FPATT looked forward to new developments. "We seriously feel that relations between FPATT and TTFF will improve in 2008. I think Mr Camps now realises that we do not intend to be confrontational towards the federation, but that we have the best interests of professional footballers at heart. This means that we need to assist both TTFF and the ProLeague in delivering a better product, both at home and on the International stage. A weak players association is no benefit to anyone."
President Hislop also announced the introduction of FPATTs new Marketing and Office Manager, Maya McMillan. "Maya is a fantastic addition to the team" said Hislop. " She has gained experience by working within both the private and public sectors in Trinidad. Her enthusiasm for football in T&T is unbounded. We feel that with someone like Maya on board, we can really reach out to the communities within T&T and start to give football back to the people, where it belongs."
FPATT optimistic.
Players’ association hopeful