FOOTBALL lovers will soon get a chance to see the T&T squad in action while assisting the hurricane ravaged people of Grenada.
Jim McLean, senior financial advisor at RBTT and former English League referee, is the heart behind The Game for Grenada.
The charity football match will feature the national teams of T&T and Grenada.
“The purpose is to further assist our neighbours and give the Grenadian team and officials a respite from the dreadful conditions being experienced,” said McLean during an interview at his Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain, office on Friday.
“If we can change the lives of 20 people (16 players and four officials) for a few days we have done a lot,” he said.
A date has not yet been finalised for the match but McLean hopes, “subject to the availability of the (Hasley Crawford) stadium,” the game will come off within one month.
He said tickets would be priced at $10 and patrons would be asked to walk with a can of food.
Inspiration for the charity match came to the Scotsman during his flight back to T&T on Tuesday after spending a few days in Grenada.
McLean, who once called the ravaged island home, offered his skills to the Grenada Football Association.
He is again hoping to make a meaningful contribution to the island and sport he loves.
“Football is the only thing, besides my job, that I know and I want to marry the two together. I felt personally that I had to do more than jump on a boat or a plane,” McLean said.
“It’s easier to have a focus and to use sport in a positive way is useful, as far as the Grenadian team and officials are involved,” he added.
McLean said Jack Warner, FIFA vice president, and the head of the TTFF have agreed to the match.
“It is a project that has been blessed,” he said.
Though he is still to arrange accommodation for the Grenadian players and officials, however, McLean intends to appeal to hotel magnate Issa Nicholas for help.
McLean said he was moved to organise the match by the humility and spirit of Grenadians despite the lack of basic amenities.
One image that stuck in his mind was that of a community which turned out for a church service, even though all that remained of the church was one wall.
McLean also has family ties to the island, his sister, Linda Grant, wife of the deceased Robert “Soca Boca” Grant, is the Dutch consul to Grenada.
“Looking ahead the real tough times will be November, December, around Christmas time and into the new year. That’s when they will need the lift and support from the outside world has to offer,” he said.