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The Trinidad and Tobago Pro League will return to its original format of operating within a calendar year, after five years of aligning itself with a European-styled September to May season. This shift was made in an effort to mesh with the general FIFA calendar and attract foreign transfer opportunities for the players of respective clubs.
The announcement was made this afternoon as the Digicel TT Pro League formally announced the launch of its 2016/17 Season at the Digicel Hospitality Box in the Queen’s Park Oval.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
This marks the 15th year that the Pro League, T&T’s highest club football competition, will be taking to fields across the nation—although professional football started three years earlier with the now defunct Professional Football League (PFL).
The 2016/17 season will kick off with a double header at Mahaica Oval on Friday 30 September with Club Sando tackling CFU Club Championship qualifiers San Juan Jabloteh at 5pm. Hosts Point Fortin Civic FC battle Morvant Caledonia United in the later fixture from 7.30pm.
A shortened format is on the cards for 2016/17, as teams will face each other in only two rounds of league action and two knockout tournaments from September 2016 to February 2017.
According to TT Pro League CEO, Dexter Skeene, the league then restarts in 2017 with an April to December schedule, which should take advantage of financial and competitive opportunities.
Skeene said he was proud of the Pro League’s resilience and willingness to adapt to survive in these trying economic times:
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Brand extensions, like the Friday Night Limes and Family Fun Sundays will highlight our exciting game day activities. The clubs have come together to strategize and execute the marketing of the Digicel Pro League competition… with a marketing committee headed by Mr Darryl Mahabir [Ma Pau Stars CEO] and this augers well for the League and our motto: One People, One Vision, One Culture, Striving for Excellence.
A family-friendly atmosphere, children-geared events and interactive fan games are some of the offerings for the upcoming season, coupled with an effort to structure the weekly match days into double-header outings which highlight the host teams.
This, according to Skeene, would be the first significant step in bringing professional football back to the communities:
This year, the owners, clubs and coaches are united in taking the games to the communities. We continue to challenge ourselves to re-examine every year, the prevailing circumstances and economic conditions to apply the strategies necessary to become profitable.
The minister, the ministry, SPORTT and local government have been in discussions and are willing to work together to upgrade football-friendly facilities to enhance the League’s attendance and build the fan bases of the clubs and thereby [provide] the tools necessary to become self sufficient and viable.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
Mahaica Oval (Point Fortin), Irwin Park (Siparia), Barataria Recreation Ground, Defence Force Headquarters Field (Chagaramas), Park Street Recreation Ground (Morvant) and Sangre Grande Recreation Ground have all been earmarked as potential venues for the 2016/17 season.
Sport Minister Darryl Smith, a former national footballer, hinted at plans in the 2016 budget to fully restore the recreation grounds at Park Street (Morvant), Diego Martin, Hague Street (Carenage) as well as other grounds to assist in the development of grassroots football.
Smith also teased that the Ministry was exploring the possibility of installing astro turf surfaces at specific grounds, which would provide an easily maintainable playing surface for everyday use as well as for the benefit of the respective football and cricket teams.
He noted too that the proper fencing of the grounds, so as to enable clubs to generate gate revenue, was another area he would address.
Smith insisted that, despite previous suggestions to the contrary, the TT Pro League and football were priorities that were close to his heart. For the 2016/17 season, at least, the financial subvention would remain at the original level with clubs receiving TT$50,000 per month from the Ministry of Sport.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
“You have the commitment from me and from the government to work with you all [the League] with regards to the grassroots level,” said Smith. “At no time have we ever said that we are not going to support the league. We understand the importance of the work you all do. It’s just that everybody has to feel the pinch.
“We have gone back to the original figure that it was and we will continue with that this year and we will come together at the end of next year and see how we can move forward.”
Smith’s announcement was met with grateful applause, although the TT Pro League’s main sponsor, Digicel, disappointed the audience. Digicel’s head of marketing, Lori-Ann Glasgow, announced that the 2016/17 Pro League winner will be awarded TT$100,000, which is a significant drop from the TT$1 million prize money offered for the three previous seasons.
Central FC picked up two million dollar bounties while DIRECTV W Connection won once.
Carlos Edwards, former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup 2006 stand out and new Ma Pau Stars signing, insisted that the newly branded team was anxious to win the competition regardless:
First and foremost our aim is to win the league. We don’t want to just make up numbers. We do have a good squad and good people around us. We go with one aim. To win the league. If you don’t want to win, then you shouldn’t be anywhere near a football team or around sport.
Edwards represented Defence Force in the inaugural Pro League season but has not played since, as he migrated to play professionally in Britain and, at one point, for England Premier League club, Sunderland. Now, he hopes to help restore the League to its former stature.
“I think it’s about time I came back and helped the younger guys and try to put the Pro League back on the map,” said Edwards. “It was an easy decision to come to Ma Pau as well. You look at the facilitating of the staff with the likes of [coach] Ross Russell and [manager] Kevin Jeffrey. I know them inside out and they know what they are about so my loyalty [went] towards them.”
TT Pro League fixtures
(Friday 30 September)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 5pm, Mahaica Oval;
Point Fortin Civic FC vs Morvant Caledonia, 7.30pm, Mahaica Oval;
(Sunday 2 October)
Defence Force vs St Ann’s Rangers, 3.30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar;
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/CA-images/Wired868)
(Tuesday 4 October)
Ma Pau Stars vs Police FC, 6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Central FC vs W Connection, 8pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
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Regarding venues, Devon London, firstly, players and coaches would infinitely prefer to play in stadiums as the pitches are of very good standard. However, as the clubs wish to increase attendances they will sacrifice good surfaces for the sake of accessibility. While the venues you mention may be better located, there are various standards to be achieved such as crowd safety, bathroom facilities as well as income collection. Ojoe Road is good as it has a mostly secure perimeter, space for additional bathrooms and plenty of space should crowds need to be evacuated away from an area. I can’t argue against all of the venues you mentioned as I have not inspected all, but each club has nominated fields it would like to use and those are being assessed. Another part of the concept is that the Friday night games should be played in the same venue for two or three weeks. Aside from helping logistically, it is hoped that each week, the crowds are bigger. Also, it creates anticipation for those in other areas, so when Friday night football comes to your region, interest will be high. Remember, this is a response to the many cries for football in the community. It is an experiment and like all experiments there will be expected, unexpected and unforeseen results. I think 500 people in a tight space creates a good atmosphere, so aside from the unforeseen light failure, I feel it was a good start.
Mahaica Oval has a very good surface. Some would argue it’s better than Ato..
better by far
http://wired868.com/2014/05/06/million-dollar-team-w-connection-whips-dforce-to-grab-pro-league-crown/
Why so much hate for djw…smh..woow
Well, our reporter missed that year. Glad you see how much credit we gave W Connection in the story. Which makes your claim of hate odd.
Sorry if we hurt your feelings. Not our intention.
Hahaha…you didnt hurt my poor feelings….
Lol. Very good! 🙂
You were right though…
Jomo I. Johnson, the Pro League confirmed the venue switch today:
(Sunday 2 October)
Defence Force vs St Ann’s Rangers, 3.30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar;
(Tuesday 4 October)
Ma Pau Stars vs Police FC, 6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Central FC vs W Connection, 8pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
How it good for Tuesday and not Wednesday…have something to do with approval and inspection of venue I guess
Kirwin Weston the concern is that if flooding caused the generator to fail, an international game will be difficult and expensive to rearrange. If a pro league game is cancelled that will be easier to rearrange.
..Not one of the clubs in the fixtures quoted above is a proper home team in the venue mentioned..
Okay Kevin
This information rarely reaches public, thanks
That’s exactly why me eh going…yuh see Roneil !!!!!!!!!!
Kirwin Weston, Keith Look Loy and Kevin Harrison that is not the reason the game was moved. That’s just why they said it was moved. Will probably explain more tomorrow or Monday.
But although the weather and the equipment at stadium is always concern, it isn’t what prompted the switch of venues. And I’m sure pro league games will run smoothly.
..I am not concerned by any move. My point, I repeat, is that not ONE team is a proper home team at any venue mentioned. Not to mention fixture instability and playing on a Tuesday night. You can’t grow like that..
Ok boss
Very true Keith. I feel for the Pro League. The Super League is ahead on that score. But it seems the penny has finally dropped where that is concerned and clubs are trying harder.
Fixture Change!
(Sunday 2 October)
Defence Force vs St Ann’s Rangers, 3.30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar;
(Tuesday 4 October)
Ma Pau Stars vs Police FC, 6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Central FC vs W Connection, 8pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Lasana Liburd I’m seeing elsewhere that the police vs ma pau game will be played in Larry Gomes but ur article has ato boldon.
As of yesterday, the Pro League said that game would be played in Couva. We have not been advised otherwise.
ok so why after all the talk about bringing the league to the communities why rush back to the stadiums especially the ABS THIS early in the season? why not Irwin park or Barataria oval or Sangre grande recreation ground?or even Dibe recreation ground seeing that its a Police fc home game? ABS is virtually the most out of the way stadium in Trinidad and Tobago……….. why not take the game to Shaw Park or Cyd Gray in Tobago?
Please be reminded that professional football must occur on fifa standard venues. Some of the places you mentioned should not host organized football. The league isn’t at its best but it’s still categorized as pro football in our country.
do you even know what constitutes fifa standard venues? becausen i sure as hell do and yes these venues that i mentioned with probably the exception of Dibe meet all the minimum requirements so far
Narada was a licensed FIFA agent, Devon.
I’m an active soon to be FIFA referee Lasana Liburd
Lol. Ok. I’m just a sport writer. I will leave you gentlemen to it then! 🙂
I also translated the entire fifa regulations my first month at the fifa world cup ministry in Brazil. The fields you named may be a good playing standard. Sine for example has and entry and exit problem. The others have audience disadvantage problems. The league is able to play some matches at sub standard venues but not all. So there is much more to consider
Have any of you ever witnessed the Jamaica PFL? THEIR GROUNDS ARE ALL community based except for the stadia and most are in worse condition than ours….. Have they ever been sanctioned for such?
Dibe*
As I said all mentioned except for dibe and probably Cuz Gray would meet the requirements
Irwin park Barataria and Haig street all do…. Although I might have issues with the growth of grass at Haig St being that I haven’t been there in about three years
There is Palo Seco velodrome and Guracara park arima velodrome…. All better than most
Mahica oval is in use and have sub par facilities compared to the ones I mentioned
Even Africa grounds in chaguanas and Edinburgh 500 are better
Defence Force he is good in terms of security but no spectators accommodation but that is in use… Police barracks have all the requirements
So then why run to a 10000 seat Stadium and can’t attract 100 spectators?
All venues that have bodies responsible for them and it takes countless meetings to try and resolve. There is a reason point gets the games. One being they have been allowed to put up temporary infrastructure like stands changing rooms etc. Can that authorization work for other publicly used venues. Pro league is trying to become self reliant and all I see are grounds that not a cent can be earned.
As I said before each ground you named I really understand your plea but I can give a reason why each may also not be considered. Until the clubs have there own facilities we may be in this predicament for some time. The stadia need to be used and they are more all round friendly. I too support community grounds but they must be football friendly ro all involved. Security players officials media supporters sponsors and visitors. to get a better picture. Look at the wpl and the venues that there were played on but compare them then and when the pro league goes there.
bullshit i say
You don’t like the changes?
Nope still won’t attract the crowds
Well, they’ve got to keep trying. Hopefully there will be improvements on the field too.
That needs to improve in order to get the crowds
Error …Directv W.connection fc won the first Million Dollar prize money in the Pro Ttpro League …thnks know it has been difficult to highlight lol
The cash prize has been at $1 million dollars for the last successive seasons. It was lower before that. Central FC won it both years.
In the 15 year history of the Pro League, the cash prize would have varied. W Connection is a previous Pro League winner.
But, we reiterate, the prize was $1 million for the past two seasons. It is now significantly lower. And, in those two seasons, Central FC won the league.
There is no error in our report.
http://wired868.com/2014/05/06/million-dollar-team-w-connection-whips-dforce-to-grab-pro-league-crown/
So we apologise to W Connection for the inadvertent omission in the report.
..Yes. State funds continue to be wasted and pillaged with no regard for the general population..
No end to this in the foreseeable future either
..No idea what it entails but good for them. That said, clubs need to bring sponsorship monies in and the State needs to stop bank rolling the TTPL – particularly when the general population is increasingly under economic and financial pressure and we about to be hit in the gut with another austerity budget..
How much Carmona went over budget by? Over $2 million?
That’s five months subvention right there. Lol.
..But, to be fair, congratulations to Central FC on their new sponsorship deal. THAT is the way it should be done…
Central got a new sponsorship deal? Didn’t read it in the article
..They did but it is not in this article..
0 progression = 50% regression
..Back to the future OR Same old, same old X.0. You get State money because you in the league. You in the league because you get State money. Nutten new there..
After Christmas is not a good time to out of a salary, especially until April
Yeah. Some rough Carnivals ahead for players who don’t or can’t save well.
Girlfriends gonna have to dip in their own pockets to fete! Lol. Those relationships are gonna be tested mightily! ???
They don’t make enough to save.
$3,000 per month is a nightmare to save from
A good pair of boots to play in is easily $750.00, you need 1 to train, 1 to play on wet ground, dry ground, and maybe a turf.
You need to eat properly
Much less to have a gf Sheldon
Ent
She would become a sponsor, or investor. But for how long. You can’t serve 2 Masters.
what if you have a child?
Its really a semi-pro league if we are honest
Government Sponsored
All teams should have SPORTT n their kits
Do the players get paid from December to April?
That’s what I wanna know…
Don’t believe so for the majority, but probably based on contract..
I can be wrong but I feel the short contacts may have a month or two lapse for payment till end of Dec or Jan which still gives Clubs some saving leverage.
Presently most players do not get paid for July – August
FA Cup is on ?
Supposed to be…
Those 2 periods can’t be the schedule, because they clash. September to February, April to December schedule
This is a transition season and it will remain April to December from 2017 onwards.
More football and less prize money…wondering how clubs going to adapt to just 2 months rest before going again. That’s extra cost on them again…would love to see how they sustain
Maybe the prize money would be back for next year. If not, they should consider a new sponsor.
And how come they couldn’t get a TV deal? Maybe that’s for the next season too?
??
Maybe
Strange that SSFL get that kind of $ compared to a national League?
Last 3 years I hearing about, Friday Night Limes and Family Fun Sunday’s, but the crowds ain’t growing.
Lasana you have a template for that in your articles ? Lol
Yeah. I remember them serving doubles on Friday evening. It didn’t last long. Hopefully they give it a longer try this time.
Lol. Doubles eh attract nobody na.
Let’s see how the community grounds work
As racist as this may sound….they need to use that Friday night Lime & Sunday to get the mixed, east indian and white population to buy in! My take…. a generational plan using school populations, with some community mobilization. Pro League support needs to look like national football games!
Wooossaaa….this should be interested…go ahead dey Nicholas Lochan
Lemme hear more about how you would accomplish that Nicholas…
IMO it has to be a two tiered approach; 1. Ownership/Special VIP treatment feeling for new companies/owners to buy in & be involved. Arima Race Club has a special level where race horse owners sit in the same old chairs, pay fees etc but feel exclusive to the common man with their own floor where they alone mingle with a few promos, special parking etc.
the 2. is the Club Structure and SSFL. I have worked long enough to see football talent isn’t race based. Pro League clubs need better restructuring with the SSFL and community clubs to provide as wide a platform of interest from primary school, secondary right up to pro, while marketing this appeal to immediate circles of these players. May seem small but 1,000 individual players, with a circle support of 10 persons is 10,000. Over 10 years, it’s 100,000
I’ve seen something like this in cricket. Where communities, other players and friends come out to see a player. Even a school player. May not be regular but it’s certainly something to understudy and maybe applicable. Even SSFL has some ‘stars’ but most disappear along with their school fan club at some point.
I think it will be extremely difficult Nicholas. First, the Pro League doesn’t attract middle class families because it doesn’t offer a proper living wage for their children who have the option of a full or partial scholarship.
Second, they have way more entertainment options whether you get them a box or not.
In terms of the race structure, I think if you look at the number of Indo players at SSFL level then the Pro League is not really underrepresented there. Not by much at least.
It’s fine to have the ambition of growing. But I don’t see anything that will make any real impact in those areas over the next five years, apart from following the MLS model.
And the MLS model is import the players you are not producing who you think will appeal to that community you are trying to reach.
It can be done affordably once you can house them. There would even be young British players who would give you a six month loan deal to get some experience once you can take care of them.
I agree but I don’t see it surviving otherwise. When I mean race base… I wasn’t specific to all races as players, but as supporters. I was looking at how East Indians will support Bravo, Pollard etc. We even do it for national players, even SSFL, but when it comes to Pro League….its a different story. Not even one game!
Bravo, Pollard and so on are global stars though. Just like people from all races would support Drogba or Pogba. They just need to see something that they appreciate or identify with.
Guys…this pic is in reference to my point 2! A market which Pro Clubs need to attract to build support in addition to the community and the circle of friends SSFL players can bring over a generation.
Apart from the enthusiasm of the crowd which far surpassed anything at pro league level, the attendance itself is not bigger than a significant pro league cup final. It just seems that way because of the venue.
When Terry Fenwick and Stuart Charles were going at it, the Central v Connection derby got crowds that matched this or maybe surpassed it. Or when the league had Nixon or Dwarika. Or quality Brazilians like Goulart.
Nicholas I honestly don’t believe that circle of friends is going to carry over as much to really boost a crowd na.
Extramural sport will always have the craze. They’re still kids, school days mean a lot more to them than the actual sport. When they get grown and real life hits them…it’ll be a whole different story, lol.
I get where you’re coming from but can’t see that one happening.
Yes Kirwin…it’s the best start I see to awake dormant communities. Filtering it into community activity and alignment is the only way I see the League’s support base seriously growing. And Lasana Liburd you are very correct with the early Pro League days. I was a boy but I remember large crowds coming to see players like Velox, Elva, Jean, Glenn and Norray
Btw, about a third of the crowd was barely watching the game. It was a lime for the kids. Probably the cool place to be. And there might not have been that many options. School football or homework. Lol.
Anybody ever check out the oval football scene on a Friday? It attracts a high turnout of upper and middle class crowds. It’s a great place for kids to hang out and there’s also food and drinks on sale. All in all its a real cool lime. Although to be honest for most people the football is an aside. I was just wondering if there could be some aspects or ideas from the oval football league that could be taken away to help boost community games.
Rose-Marie I think people will come out to community games if they are very accessible and safe. Refreshments for sale at affordable prices will help. A little comfort as in a seat helps.
Many of those school children will NOT follow their team for away games.
People always pretend that accessibility doesn’t matter. But it does.
True accessibility and safety to a greater extent. I feel comfortable letting my children roam around the grounds liming with their own friends. There’s great visible security.
If I can be permitted to ask a few questions :
September 2016 to February 2017, April to December schedule,
Which would be the annual schedule?
Does this mean that players who do not contract outside, will have no job for the off times?
How does playing April to December help get contacts outside except in the MLS?
The subvention is $50,000, and the prize is $100,000??
Subvention is $83k
Subvention is 50k according to article
It’s 50k. That 83k figure disappeared since January. They were lucky it didn’t drop further.
Supposed to be returned. I was advised.. Let’s see
Sheldon, April to December helps clubs better compete in the CL.
It also means football is not competing with Christmas and Carnival. That battle football has been losing.
Brian, even if gas prices soar I would bet those figures will never go back up again.
Hard luck dey Lasana, Going to check WTI prices
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160928/sports/welcome-pro-league-funds
Should have bet huh??
Damn skippy
That sounds kinda muddled Brian and Kirwin. I’m going with my reporter on this. Clear the air Roneil. 🙂
The original figure was $50,000 not $83,000. The $83,000 mark came when some Pro League clubs found that Anil Roberts had sweetheart deals with two teams who were getting more than the others. And they argued for parity and got it.
Amiel lol
Issa relay owa ?
Scene Lasana
Hahaha. Sorry. Amiel… The subvention?
Kester there will be employed players during that rest time
Your outline of the subvention situation Lasana Liburd is exactly what I am led to believe is the current arrangement
So the Express is incorrect in its quoting of the goodly Minister?
Brian and Kirwin, I just spoke to a club manager who said that the Minister never said $83,000 and they are getting $50,000 as far as they are aware.
Apparently, one club has been calling around excitedly because the Express and Guardian wrote they are getting $83,000. And that excited club is being advised to not be stupid.
Why would the Sport Minister tell the media and not the clubs that they are getting 83k? (Their words and not mine)
If you read Prescott’s story carefully, you get that Darryl Smith never said 83k but that it was the writer’s interpretation.
So, based on this, let me apologise on behalf of the media. But not Wired868. Lol. Amiel was paying attention. 😉
K thanks for the update..
Okay
Word
Well I loss some confidence in Ian Prescott now…check this headline and story
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160929/sports/nlcb-steps-in
Where’s the part about the season tickets ? Or this is an abbreviated version ?
Ever since taking Office, the Minister has always affirmed that 50k was the correct original figure based on policy. If that changes, I’m sure Wired868 will be front and centre with a follow up article.
I just confirmed from the Pro League office that it is 53k. Prescott and the Express playing with those clubs’ emotions. Some teams can sign 10 more players with an extra 33k! ??
TTFA announces season tickets programme for “legends” and fans; but bad news for Soca Warriors as John Bostock switch hits another snag
http://wired868.com/2016/09/29/ttfa-announces-season-tickets-for-legends-and-warriors-fans-and-another-bostock-bummer/
I only hope FCB Branches have a clue about what’s going on eh…because I almost certain when u go next week they asking you what does TTFA stand for !!!!!!!
Lasana Liburd Aarön Andrews Vachel ‘tallo’ Thompson
Kirwin why you so :v :v
??
Because that always happens Roneil…the girls in Sports and Games always ask you…”What football ?”
Then one might audaciously try to flirt with you to buy them a ticket too !!!
Lol
lol they probably saw the Tiida outside
Lol, wrong guess bro…wrong guess
???
You giving wetman Roneil competition Kirwin! ??
No competition there na…dat man slick !
Is $100,000 a misprint?
hmmmm
Interesting. With restoration of funding levels, looking forward to hearing central government budget allocations for sport and other ministries. Also, did Kevin Jeffrey change clubs?
I think he did