Teams competing in the 2005 National Super League will now have some incentive to dethrone defending League and Knockout champions, Joe Public, when the new season kicks off on June 15.
Sporting goods store Sportworld has stepped forward as main sponsors of the competition, to the tune of $125,000, for an increase of almost $50,000 in the overall prize package, which now stands at $200,000.
This was revealed by Tony Harford, marketing director of All Sport Promotions, organiser of the 2005 Sportworld National Super League, at its launch yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Harford also announced that the first place team in the league will now collect $75,000, with the runners-up taking home $42,000, and the third place team $25,000.
The top prize for the knockout competition will be $20,000, and the beaten finalists get $10,000.
The League has now been reduced from 14 teams to 12 for the new season, with the only newcomers being Couva Players United, who won their playoff earlier this year to secure the 12th spot.
Additionally, the League has planned a further reduction of the number of teams to ten next year.
The Super League will be contested in two rounds, and for the first time, the top five teams after 17 rounds will compete with the seven T&T Pro League teams for the Toyota Cup, on the invitation of the Pro League.
The top four teams of the League will also contest the National Super League Big Four competition at the end of the two rounds in November.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has also contributed airfare for all the teams travelling to Tobago for League and Knockout fixtures, while all teams will be provided with uniforms by sponsors Sportworld.
The League matches that are hosted by All Sport, as well as all the knockout games, will also have extensive spectator prizes.
The Super League teams will also contest another knockout tournament to determine the five teams that play in the national FA Trophy competition.
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