Source: Twitter

Relieved and grateful! These are two words that describe the current feelings of the football fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago. This is because of the resumption of local football since the Government’s decision to allow sporting competitions to be once again held in the country following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Over the past few weeks, there has been much movement in terms of the commencement and execution of football competitions. In March, we saw the start of an Inter Zone competition along with the Caribbean Courts Classic competition, the Ascension League and at the start of April, the U-20 Tiger Tanks Invitational Tournament.

But there is one competition that has escaped headlines causing much shock and growing concern. The TT Pro League, the country’s top premiership division, has not resumed since its abrupt halt in March 2020. The TT Pro League is considered Trinidad and Tobago’s only fully professional league. It is operated as a corporation owned by the member clubs of the league. 

While competitions like the Ascension League emulate a similar format and involve similar local clubs (both Pro League and the top second division Super League teams), many commentators are still are calling for the resumption of the TT Pro League. 

The calls for its resumption have prompted a response from Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe. She stated in May of 2021 on a Twitter space that leagues like the TT Pro League have not been “as successful as they should”. This, however, she stated is not necessarily the fault of the government. It was her opinion that we as a country are moving towards getting serious about the business of sports but that it is necessary to get all stakeholders serious about the business of sport as well. 

The Minister commended private sector companies including Digicel and Republic Bank for doing their part in terms of taking the business of sport seriously. The Minister, however, aptly conceded that in order to prompt reinvestment into football, it is equally important for national governing bodies seeking such funding to have a transparent and positive brand. 

The ideal situation of having a good and positive brand which can attract investment can be juxtaposed against the situation in reality. When considering the state of footballing infrastructure in the country, it is evident that poor finances and a lack of a good and transparent corporate structures continue to plague Trinidad football discouraging trust from the private sector. 

Issues with funding have trickled down to all persons involved in the successful operation of the league. Many administrators, competition winners, referees and match commissioners have remained unpaid up to this day. 

Can the TT Pro League truly be considered a professional football league? According to national team midfielder Khaleem Hyland, the league is anything but a professional league. He said in an interview “I don’t think we should call the T&T Pro League a professional league because it is not. It does not operate as a professional league. For instance, a professional league means players have contracts for a certain amount of time, and when the COVID-19 pandemic began, nobody’s contract should have ended automatically.” 

Having heard comments such as these, it is clear then that something must be done. A proper business plan must be produced which can spearhead Trinidad football into a state of normalcy again. It is evident that the TT Pro League has its issues but its resumption must be prioritized. 

Having the league up and operational is vital for the country’s footballing hopes both on a national and grassroots level. It has been a springboard for the development of players and has served the country well in this respect. Many stars have been created in the league such as Cornell Glen and Kevin Molino to name a few. These players have secured transfers to Europe and North America creating an increased international awareness for the league and the talent produced within.

A settled and properly functioning top football league will produce more pros than cons and will allow Trinidad football to reach the level that it once did in 2006. 

Should the TT Pro League be resumed? Or should it be squashed and rebuilt? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think of the TT Pro League.