A recent football recruiting initiative has struck paydirt, with an exciting young midfielder set to jet off to the United States later this year on scholarship. Kareem Francis of Monchy United has been offered a scholarship to study and play football at community college in Texas next fall.
The Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic was held in early December 2025. Less than two months later, it has paid dividends for Francis, a student of Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and a member of the Carlyle Thomas Football Academy (CTFA).
“This great opportunity came from the CTFA and the Monchy United FC Team, where they participated in the Showcase Classic tournament,” his mother, Maria James, explained to St. Lucia Times.
“He was one of the players that the coaches had their eyes on him.
“He intends to study Engineering. He is very excited, as this surprising opportunity came to hand. As a parent, I am so elated and emotional to experience this great opportunity with my son. I wish him all the best for his academics and sports during this full-time scholarship. Thanks to all his coaches and support team members on this new journey.”
His father, Kervin Francis, chimed in as well, expressing his pride in an interview with St. Lucia Times.
“This opportunity is the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the game that he loves. Coming from Gros Islet, Kareem has shown that with hard work, and the right mindset, young people from Saint Lucia and our region can compete, and succeed to make it internationally.”
Francis has always been an excellent all-round athlete. A top order batsman and off-spinner, he has represented his school with distinction in cricket, and was on the Saint Lucia Under-15 team in Windward Islands competition. He also won multiple track and field medals at primary school.
“Beyond his athletic ability, Kareem has grown into a respectful, focused, and determined young man,” said his dad.
“Football has taught him resilience, leadership, and accountability — values that will serve him well both on and off the field. As his father, I am grateful to God, his coaches, mentors, family, and everyone who believed in him and supported his journey.
“This scholarship is not just a personal achievement for Kareem, but a source of inspiration for other young athletes in Saint Lucia and even the wider Caribbean. I am confident that he will represent his family, his community, and country with pride as he takes this next step in his academic and athletic career.”
The Gros Islet Football League and Kareem’s family confirmed that he is preparing to register as a freshman at Ranger College for the fall semester. In Ranger, Texas, Francis will join a cosmopolitan team that is used to foreign imports. The 2025 roster included 17 international players, from Colombia, England, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Paraguay, Scotland, Spain, and Venezuela
In 2025, under Scottish head coach Ross Anderson, the Rangers won six of their 13 matches, and drew two. Coach Anderson is in his third year with Ranger College.
Daniel Fragachan and Manuel Hernández, the scouts behind MAD Sports Group, are hoping to find further collegiate spots for young Saint Lucian players in the months to come. The two had previously floated the idea of having several players participate in a player showcase in Texas in March.
