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By Samuel Peters
“Football is passionate, exciting, and romantic…but we must give our students the structure, preparation, and support they deserve if we want the game to flourish in schools.”
Those were the words of Coordinator of Football in the Ministry of Sports, Rohan Benjamin, who expressed pride in the growth of the game in schools while highlighting areas that urgently need attention to secure the sport’s future.
Speaking during a presentation to secondary school principals, Benjamin described himself as “the happiest man today,” noting that school football has come a long way since its recorded beginnings in 1974. He paid tribute to pioneers such as Sir Reginald Samuel and the late Patrick White, as well as others who helped lay the foundation for organized school competitions.
He boasted that football is the most popular sport in schools, with five major competitions: Under-20, Under-16, and Under-14 for boys, and Under-16 and Under-20 for girls. In addition, primary school tournaments ensure that every school across Antigua and Barbuda participates in the game.
However, Benjamin expressed concern about declining participation numbers. In 2023, 955 students were involved in school football, but the figure dropped to 778 in 2024, with female involvement being of particular concern. “That’s why we introduced a girls-only primary school competition,” he explained, adding that the initiative is aimed at nurturing a new generation of female players.
Among the sport’s strengths, Benjamin pointed to the availability of certified ABFA and CONCACAF coaches, the passion of young players, and a competitive league structure. Scholarship opportunities also continue to emerge for top performers. But he admitted that challenges persist, particularly the lack of proper facilities. “It is not good enough for girls to be dressed from their cars,” he lamented, calling for better facilities.
Transportation, limited preparation time, and the negative influence of marijuana use among some students were also listed as major hurdles. Benjamin suggested starting team preparations two weeks before the new school year begins to improve performance and quality.
Despite these concerns, schools football continues to produce champions. Last season, Princess Margaret School (PMS) won the Under-20 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ titles, while Antigua Grammar School took the Under-14 crown. Antigua Girls High School earned praise for their steady rise in the girls’ competition.
Benjamin also confirmed that the new season is set to kick off with a pre-season knockout on September 18, followed by the official opening ceremony and start of the league on October 3. The schools football calendar, which runs from September to December, will again include league play with finals and eliminators.
He closed with a reminder that the work does not end in December. Coaches, he noted, continue their work into the new year by preparing primary school competitions, ensuring that football remains a year-round program.
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