Sporting facilities for everyone

Vincy Heat was close to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, for I am convinced that once we had crossed the first hurdle, the other teams in the final round would have been in for a surprise, and our qualification would have definitely been on the cards. {{more}}

We showed signs of increasing capability to cope with the Central American style and twice against Mexico, we almost held our own. The display at home raised the team’s morale and confidence to a new level.

Oh how we lack that final touch towards conversion. The inclusion of former national striker Guy Lowe to work with the squad is a step in the right direction.

There is still the critical Gold Cup Final to be attained. Our progress in that sphere will enhance our reputation as the Caribbean pillar we profess.

But perhaps elimination for 2006 was a matter of poetic justice. Our advance would have put a strain on our every reserve, and we would have been drifting under all the stress of sporting and political calendar.

The absense of facilities highlights the disadvantages under which our team had to prepare. Even the Arnos Vale Playing Field was like foreign territory to the Vincy Heat. And its unavailability for the Second Round fixture against Grenada in the CFU Digicel Cup is a damning indictment of our lack of proper surfaces on which to play football. The Grammar School Playing Field would be a venue even Vincy Heat will have to adjust to.

Still we have to persevere, for the construction of the National Stadium will be a welcome sight and worthwhile factor for the entire population, more so the Football Federation and the Amateur Athletics Association who will have permanent homes there.

Other sporting disciplines will fall into place as the phases roll over. And perhaps preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be a more attainable task. The lessons of the previous hardships in the quest for World Cup qualification will have served as immense fortification for the exercise.

The battles and petty squabbles which surface between the National Sports Council and the Football Federation surrounding the use of playing fields, is not contributing to our efforts to develop the sport.

The power struggle is not in the community’s interest and it must be nipped completely.

The campaign for the 2010 world Cup will intensify by 2008. But we have to begin laying the groundwork for that onslaught today.

The scouts and knowledgeable forces have to start identifying a crop that will be ready and equipped to complete that task. The base is already set with the crop of youngsters in the current outfit who will still be within striking range.

We will have braced ourselves for the episode but must ensure that the entire nation adds its bit of fuel to ensuring that Vincy Heat burns with volcanic fervour across the Atlantic Ocean from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to South Africa and the rest of the world.