Source: www.newsday.co.tt
TT Pro League Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dexter Skeene is confident the Pro League can weather the financial storm that has battered local clubs after a high profile meeting with Minister of Sport Anil Roberts.
Skeene met with Roberts at the Ministry of Sport office in Port-of-Spain along with Ashwin Creed, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Errol Ashby, CEO of the Sport Company.
Skeene told www.ttproleague.com that the Minister of Sport reiterated the Ministry’s support for the vision, intent, aims and objectives of the league. “I came away from the meeting encouraged by the Minister’s recognition that the league was making every effort to raise the standard of football and to become self sufficient. The Minister acknowledged that the league will be impacted by the economic circumstances prevailing locally and internationally but expressed confidence that the league’s management and shareholders had the capacity and determination to overcome the difficult times. “The Minister also gave his commitment that the Ministry of Sport will continue to support the League financially and to provide the use of the stadia, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium.” Skeene confirmed that the question of the league obtaining facilities in the respective communities came up and that assurances were again given that providing the requested facilities remain a priority for the Ministry. “It is important that the league, clubs, players, coaches and supporters keep a positive frame of mind. Dwelling on the negatives will not provide the answers or solutions. We must remain steadfast and resolute in our belief that the League will weather the storm. It is not going to be easy but I have no doubt in my mind that the TT Pro League will persist until it succeeds,” said Skeene.
The Pro League boss believes the future of the players is paramount and all must be done to keep them in the sport.
“They (the players) cannot simply walk away and find something else to do. Their dreams, hopes and ambitions are invested in the TT Pro League, the tip of the TT football pathway. Those of us in charge of the league must face up to our responsibilities. We must not easily subject these young men to misery, failure and sleepless nights. The League and the clubs must provide the necessary leadership to ensure that professional football survives and thrives in order to give our players the opportunity to develop and hone their skills to effectively represent the League at the CONCACAF level and World Cups,” he explained.