Football fans can prepare for professional football at its best when the 2016/17 season of the T&T Pro League kicks off in mid September.
Talks are currently taking place with Minister of Sports Daryl Smith and the various Regional Corporations for this to become a reality. Skeene, a graduate of Columbia University, a Ivy League institution, said the League planned to host a stakeholders function that would ensure that all teams have their own fields. He said: “This will lead to increased attendance at matches and increased participation by members of the communities. It will also lead to merchandising by teams from which community members will be identified with.”
Skeene, who is entering his 12-season as the League top man, said they will next focus on promoting players from the respective communities and will work on upgrading their social media campaign, facebook, instagrom and twitter, saying it will be used to promote the tournament, the players and other stakeholders.
Skeene, who has overseas the League moving from seven to ten clubs to date, pointed out that the Minister of Sports Daryl Smith has given the assurance subventions that were given to clubs and the league will continue. Eight of the ten clubs receive monthly grants of $50,000 to off-set costs for salaries.
The former St Mary’s College standout told the Guardian this amount will continue as the minister realizes the importance of the 14-year-old league and the role it plays in providing employment to many young players, coaches, trainers and other workers when matches are ongoing.
The pro league boss believes once clubs are given the time and opportunity to generate its own funds, they will soon be able to stand on its own.
Skeene and his pro league are also targeting TV rights deal this season, saying he would like to see at least a 30 minute video, featuring interviews with players, coaches and matches etc on the television every week.