Chief Executive Officer of the TT Pro League, Dexter Skeene, has renewed his stance that community-based fields suited for professional football will be the catalyst in taking the Pro League to the next level.
Skeene, who plans to take his plea to new Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Darryl Smith, added, “It was always part of the business model submitted to the Ministry to the understanding that if this is provided, after a few years clubs would have no excuse not to be self-sustaining and viable.
Skeene, who took up the post in 2004, reminded that it started in 2002 with pioneers who had a vision to create an industry with professional football, to take Trinidad and Tobago’s football to next level. He said that people like Jerry Hospedales, Jamaal Shabazz, David John-Williams, Darryl Mahabir, Richard Fakoory together with others have invested over $325 million in bringing professional football to where it is today.
The Pro League CEO added that while government has contributed just over $50 million, for which League is appreciative, stakeholders must understand the amount of money the owners have invested.
He said the Major League Soccer (MLS) has lost over US$200M (TT $1Billion) before they realized a profit within recent times.
“When you place that into context you understand what is required and the life cycle necessary for a successful professional football league.
“Community fields is a critical success factor and I remain convinced when put in place it will be the catalyst to take professional football to the next level.”
Point Fortin Civic stands only Pro League club with a community-based field—the Mahaica Oval, which recently had stadium lights installed.
While every other club play their home matches at various stadia across Trinidad but none – Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon, Larry Gomes and the Marvin Lee stadia – are directly linked to the community of any club.
A recent inspection visit by the League at Ojoe Road Recreation Ground revealed that the venue in Sangre Grande – home of North East Stars – is presently not suited or equipped for professional play but Skeene hopes it can be ready by the end of October.
The Pro League CEO said it’s also about giving local coaches the opportunity to work fulltime as coaches just like the Jose Mourinhos (Chelsea / England) and Arsene Wengers (Arsenal / England) of the world.
“We must not limit ourselves; we are just as talented, ambitious and intelligent as anyone anywhere in the world. The TT Pro League is the platform, it is our platform, the stage, the place, the forum where we can achieve greatness, utilising and exposing our indigenous talent.”
Recent performances by Pro League clubs Central FC and W Connection in the CONCACAF Champions League and the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Senior Team on the international stage have gained the twin-island plaudits.
“I feel proud because the Mexicans and Americans are now taking notice,” continued Skeene. “Former assistant to Rafa Benitez, Paco Ayestaran, the Spanish-born head coach of Mexican champion club, Santos Laguana, believes that the recent performances of the National team and local clubs, W Connection and Central FC, in CONCACAF Champions League, is proving that the gap is narrowing within the Federation. Ayestaran said ‘in CONCACAF there is no real difference anymore.’
“The TT Pro League is about building an industry; it is about developing football as a profession, creating a pathway for youngsters to aspire to earn a living from playing football.
“It is about supplying the National senior team with players like Ataulla Guerra, Willis Plaza, Jan-Michael Williams, Joevin Jones, Keron Cummings, and many others who can effectively and efficiently compete at international level. The contribution of the Pro League and its clubs, players and coaches is unquestioned or let me be more precise ought not to be questioned.”
Skeene, who holds a BA in Economics attained at Columbia University in New York, added, “With the falling oil revenue and economic downturn, each one of us must stand ready to defend our league and stand up for Professional football in Trinidad and Tobago not just by words but by our actions.
“In relation to off the field of play the League can say with total clarity that in the conduct of the League's business, good governance, transparency and accountability are our unflinching watchwords.”
Skeene pleaded with clubs to continue working together to build a sustainable and viable professional football industry.
He went further to say, “The platform has been laid; the league is secure in its knowledge and confident that the stage has been set for the continuous growth of football in Trinidad and Tobago. We have built a cadre of owners, managers, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and players with over a decade of experience. We still have a lot of work to do, but the die has been cast. It’s an idea whose time has come; there is no turning back now.
“This is evident from the performances of W Connection and Central FC in the recent CONCACAF club championship, I wish to congratulate them. I feel proud because many leagues in existence for over a decade have not made it this far.”