The $1 million champions’ prize isn’t the only cash incentive for competing teams in the 2015-2016 Digicel Pro League which was officially launched on Friday morning at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Also, new to the DPL which will end in May 2016, a Player of Round, for each of the three rounds, will receive $10,000.
The main prize money scheme will again award the DPL champions $1,000,000 while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive $300,000 and $150,000, respectively. Teams finishing in positions fourth to tenth will receive $130,000.
Turning away from the monetary rewards and trophies on offer, Julia Baptiste, general secretary of the Pro League, told clubs, "Take your club to the next level; think professional."
The 2015-2016 DPL kicks off today (Friday) with last season’s third-place finishers Defence Force against last season’s cellar-placed finishers St. Ann’s Rangers from 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The Round One Match Day One schedule will continue on Saturday 26 September with last season’s DPL runners-up W Connection hosting Police FC from 4 pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium and simultaneously at the Larry Gomes Stadium, North East Stars will welcome debutants Club Sando.
Also on Saturday, defending DPL champions Central FC will visit Point Fortin Civic from 6 pm at the Mahaica Oval.
The weekend fixtures will culminate on Sunday 27 September with neighbouring rivals Morvant Caledonia United and San Juan Jabloteh clashing from 4 pm.
During his opening remarks, TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene called on players and clubs to not lose focus.
Skeene, a former Trinidad and Tobago footballer said, “Let’s us put aside self-doubt and frustration and continue no matter the obstacles to push for improvement in every single aspect of what we do on and off the field of play. We must be proud of the TT Pro League.”
Skeene also commended the longstanding support of title sponsor Digicel.
He said that Digicel has stood by the league's vision, players, coaches, board, management, fans and other corporate partners in fighting a noble cause, purpose and mission.
“There remain those in key decision making positions who continue to misunderstand what the TT Pro League, and what it is about in a place such as Trinidad and Tobago,” added Skeene.
“But the TT Pro League can stand proud, confident, notwithstanding at times hostile environment, our owners clubs and players and coaches continue to improve on the quality of football that is on display in the Digicel TT Pro League games and tournaments.
“No matter what, we are determined to make a positive difference in football and through football Trinidad and Tobago.”
Christopher Edmond, Digicel senior sponsorship officer, said Digicel’s partnership with the Pro League is part of the company’s commitment to football locally and internationally. He congratulated the Pro League on its positive reputation and said that Digicel fully understands the power of football.
Digicel Pro League 2015-2016
Round One Match Day One
Friday 25 September 2015
Defence Force vs St. Ann’s Rangers—6 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium
Saturday 26 September 2015
W Connection vs Police FC—4 pm, Manny Ramjohn Stadium
North East Stars vs Club Sando—4 pm, Larry Gomes Stadium
Point Fortin Civic vs Central FC—6 pm, Mahaica Oval
Sunday 27 September 2015
Morvant Caledonia United vs San Juan Jabloteh—4 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium