TT PRO LEAGUE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dexter Skeene is supportive of the plans issued for sport locally by Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, during the presentation of the 2015-2016 Budget on Monday.
Skeene told the players gathered, who were representing all 10 clubs in the 2015-2016 Pro League season, that it worthwhile to note that the Minister, during Monday’s budget speech, stated that Government will develop plans and programmes to encourage citizens to become involved in sport and recreational activities.
Skeene added, “He (Imbert) further outlined that TT will be aiming to be a worldclass sporting nation by establishing an all-encompassing policy to increase the pool of talent from where more world champions will emerge and gain international recognition.
“I am pleased to inform that on both counts the TT Pro League contributes to these goals,” explained Skeene. “In terms of becoming a world-class sporting nation, it is imperative that players are placed in a professional environment.
To become world -class, you must be playing professionally and I mean performing in a professional environment for a protracted period of time.
“The TT Pro League fits these criteria. It is the only professional league which runs throughout the year and employs hundreds of youths, coaches and technical staff in the process. It is an industry which is critical if we are to be world-class in football, the number one sport in the world, if Trinidad and Tobago is to qualify for a World Cup on a regular basis.”
The former national striker continued, “With reference to encouraging many citizens to become involved in sport, through its youth development system and competition, the TT Pro League encourages thousands to play the game of football and hone their skills from an early age to give them the opportunity to play at the highest level, receive the best coaching in the country and learn the art of professional football.
“The TT Pro League attracts all of the nation’s top youth footballers and inspires many to strive to be a part of the professional league and make it a profession. It creates a pathway for the young individuals to progress from a tender age with the aim and opportunity to become a professional footballer,” he ended.