The event paid tribute not only to individual players but also to the history of football in La Clery, which has shaped generations of athletes and inspired a sense of community.

Veteran footballer George Charlemagne reflected on the legacy of the Vide Bouteille Cultural Club, which he described as the foundation of organised football in the community.

“The only club in my recollection that has a proper clubhouse in Saint Lucia and has been in existence for that time with a proper physical structure. Vide Bouteille Cultural Club, whether we like it or not, is the mother of all clubs and all football in La Clery,” Charlemagne said.

Sharing his personal journey, Charlemagne credited football with instilling discipline, perseverance, and ambition in his life.

“I owe my life to football because football taught me to be competitive. Football taught me to want to win, to want to score, and always to be able to reach the goals that I set for myself. My grounding, my discipline, my perseverance, all of that came out of football.”

He also underscored the importance of sport as a positive force for young people at a time when many face social challenges.

“We must use this as an example to the young people growing up. We must infuse them with a sense of not just football but a sense of community as well, and try to develop themselves in a positive manner,” Charlemagne urged.

The ceremony highlighted decades of passion, talent, and resilience, reaffirming football’s role not only as a sport but also as a vehicle for building community pride and inspiring future generations.