Saint Lucian football has often been noted for its abundance of talent, but commentators have also highlighted that aside from skill, players exhibiting discipline on and off the field is also important.
While the island does not lack footballing potential, there is an emerging belief that a more structured approach to discipline is needed to fully harness talent.
A key area identified is the commitment of all players to sportsmanship and their attitude towards professionalism.
St. Lucia Times reached out to officials from two recently concluded tournaments to gain insight into how much of a concern this vital aspect of the sport is among observers.
Blackheart Productions’ Communications Officer Shannon Lebourne emphasised that the behavior of both players and supporters is crucial.
“It is a big concern for us. Discipline is very important to Blackheart. Over the years, discipline has always remained high throughout the tournament. Players have changed, and we understand that tensions run high because there is a lot at stake, but we want to encourage the players to keep their heads, stay disciplined, and remain respectful at all times. We also want to encourage patrons to lead by example by respecting the officials. The referee’s decision is final.”
Francis Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League and Valley Soccer Academy, has been deeply involved in local football for several years. He revealed that discipline plays a key role in securing football scholarships for local players.
“When I speak to coaches and show them videos of kids in Saint Lucia, the first thing they tell me is they get dozens of videos on a weekly basis. The questions are ‘Is this kid disciplined?’ ‘Do they have good sportsmanship?’ They’re not interested in just pure talent, because it’s a headache for them. If they’re going to make an investment, if they’re going to take the school’s budget and invest it in a Saint Lucian, they want to know the reputation of the individual.”
As sports administrators, coaches, and players strive to elevate football on the island, the role of discipline in this endeavor remains crucial.
