The event not only celebrated excellence on the field but also highlighted the sport’s growing role in fostering unity and discipline within communities.

Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Clivus Jules, emphasised the power of football in bringing people together, especially in challenging times.

“Football, for me and for my own experiences, football has united the world more than it has united our communities than any other sport,” Jules said.

He recalled moments in Saint Lucia’s history when football tournaments helped ease social tensions.

“I can remember some time ago when there was a kind of a crime wave as we have going on now. You had football in the city, football in Dennery, football in Vieux Fort. Football is the sport that does it most for us.”

SLFA President Lyndon Cooper also addressed the gathering, outlining key steps the Association will be taking to raise standards across the sport. He stressed the importance of professional development, particularly among coaches.

“We cannot continue to allow the Caribbean and the world to expand equally on small countries like us,” Cooper said.

He continued: “You are going to see from January 1st, 2020, things that every single person who engages in coaching will be certified. And your failure to keep certifying will not only exclude you from the national set up, but it is also going to disqualify you from being awarded any accolades from the Saint Lucia Football Association.”

Officials hailed the awards as not only a celebration of sporting achievement but also a reminder of football’s unique ability to build stronger communities.