Dear Editor: Unacceptable for SSFL’s schedule to clash with T&T’s WCQ campaign

“[…] By allowing a domestic league fixture to clash with [a Trinidad and Tobago World Cup] fixture, the organisers undermine the national agenda and send a message that the SSFL takes precedence over representing the country.

“[…] From a developmental viewpoint—schools football is the ground floor of our footballing pyramid. It is essential that the school competition aligns with and supports the national team’s programmes, not rivals them…”

The following Letter to the Editor by Chaguanas North Secondary team manager Germaine Raymond laments the fact that the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) scheduled a Premier Division match between Trinity College East and Scarborough Secondary as well as the Central Zone Intercol semifinals on the same day as Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica (13 November) and Bermuda (18 November) respectively:

It is unacceptable that the fixture schedule for the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has been set in direct conflict with the national side’s important World Cup qualifying match.

This decision displays a lack of coordination, disrespect for priorities, and a failure to recognise the broader interests of our national footballing ecosystem.

Firstly, the national team’s match is of national significance, displaying our country on the global stage, uniting fans across all age-groups, and raising the profile of our sport internationally.

By allowing a domestic league fixture to clash with such a fixture, the organisers undermine the national agenda and send a message that the SSFL takes precedence over representing the country.

Secondly, scheduling such a clash places unfair pressure on stakeholders: young players, coaches, referees, supporters, and administrators.

Many of those involved in the schools league may also be tied into national team events (as spectators, aspiring national team members, or part of youth development pathways). This overlap deserves accommodation, not conflict.

Thirdly, from a developmental viewpoint—schools football is the ground floor of our footballing pyramid. It is essential that the school competition aligns with and supports the national team’s programmes, not rivals them.

Conflicting fixtures dilute attention, stretch resources, and risk missing valuable synergy between grassroots and senior levels.

Finally, this action diminishes the spectacle, media coverage and fan support for both competitions. When the national team plays, it deserves undivided attention; when the schools league plays simultaneously, both events suffer.

I call on the SSFL executive to reschedule the league fixtures, ensure clear fixture-planning protocols in future, consult with the national association, and adopt a calendar that reflects the hierarchy of football commitments—with the national team’s schedule given priority.

Only by doing so can we demonstrate proper respect to all levels of the game and ensure the long-term growth and unity of football in our country.

Editor’s Note: Germaine Raymond is also the mother of Trinidad and Tobago international defender Andre Raymond.

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