@Rastaman
Totally agree with your post. I agree that the SSFL is not doing enough to develop youth football (11 to 20 age groups)
Jaric surprised many and had some talented youngsters this season as well.
I think the SSFL needs to continue to market themselves and look to improve their brand every year.
The Sportsmax/Digicel partnership has been a plus to the system. Raising the quality of football at the highest level of the school system, especially since we place more emphasis on school football as opposed to club football at the youth level, so this type of investment is needed to boost the quality and morale.
Unfortunately, the other age groups below have been neglected over the years I believe until this year where there was some nice coverage in the Fruta Form 1 league. It's definitely a push in the right direction, but surely not enough.
SSFL as well as the THA in your situation need to not rely solely on the Ministry of Sports to continuously provide handouts.
And even when there has been these grants/sponsorships given, there needs to be greater accountability on how the funds are being spent.
One of the MAJOR problems with football between Trinidad and Tobago are the efficiency and cost of the sea and airbridges.
And this problem affects all national competitions across the country, men and women. This problem is bigger than football but shouldnt be something that defines the football landscape of the country.
We, being the stakeholders and the governing bodies (SSFL,TTFA, THA, MOS) need to work together and not handle it in such a way where the TTFA is basically the parent that comes and hands out $ every week like an allowance to help us get through the day.
The other organisations mentioned need to take a long hard look at themselves and refine their operations and look for innovative ways of improving their product.
AND, if those in charge do not know, asking for help is not a sign of weakness here. It shows that you want to further develop the football and are trying to make strides to improve it as such every year, as opposed to accepting the status quo every year and hoping someone else does it for you!!!
I get that some of these organisations may operate at bare bones at the moment, but this is an area where they need to reassess how funds are being allocated and come up with a concrete plan to present to potential sponsors/gov't bodies. Coming forth with our hands further promotes the "what can you do for me?" society instead of developing a better suited "What can I do for myself first" idea.
I really hope the SSFL and other relevant bodies see these issues and can assist somehow soon.
With that said, contune your efforts in Tobago and build from the ground up and show them consistently that Tobago is resilient and deserves attention as you've mentioned.
If that means, organising your own leagues THROUGHOUT the calendar year, to keep the children active. DO IT! Support your own and demand better from everyone else around you.
