On Friday, I participated in Career Day at St Mary’s College, as I’ve done for the past five or six years (pandemic excepted, of course). Typically, I speak about professions in sports – the people who build and support athletes and foster sports culture. Following the island’s first-ever sprint titles at the CARIFTA Games and last year’s Olympic success in Paris, there has been much discussion about coaching. And while that’s a crucial role in developing athletes, it’s far from the only factor.
Support them
Right now, the West Indies A team are playing South Africa A in a limited-overs and four-day series in Saint Lucia. I was at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Wednesday for the opening match. Unfortunately, West Indies A lost. Even more disappointing was the sparse crowd – just a handful of spectators, nearly all visitors, thrilled to watch free international cricket at a venue named after a two-time World Cup-winning captain.
The most significant investment we can make is our time and attention. This weekend’s Saint Lucia Premier League final should draw a packed crowd, but there should also be young cricketers in the stands, watching our future West Indies hopefuls. Schools, academies, coaches and parents should bring their kids to see these players, many of whom have already played senior international cricket or are on the cusp.
Let kids be kids
Older folks often wonder why today’s youth seem less interested in sports. I can think of a few reasons. For one, many schools have made sports day attendance optional. Fewer children and parents participate, robbing young athletes of the recognition their achievements deserve. Often, student-athletes are overwhelmed when they reach national competitions and see full stands for the first time.
There are also fewer spaces for kids to simply play. Yes, crime and the state of some recreational venues are factors, though more playing fields are being improved. But the issue is more basic: many schools in 2025 won’t allow children to play at recess. Forget the studies showing that balanced children learn best. Ignore the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Too often, parents push their kids into sports in their pre-teen years when they’ve never had the chance to develop balance and agility through unstructured play.
Look beyond the athlete
For years, I’ve spoken to kids about the ecosystem surrounding successful athletes. Sixth graders are choosing secondary schools; third formers are selecting subjects for their final two years of high school. These decisions can shape their futures.
Whether in cricket, basketball, track and field, volleyball, or football, athletes rely on teams dedicated to improving their performance on and off the field. Coaches play a major role, but so do physiotherapists, trainers, strength coaches, nutritionists and sports psychologists. A foundation in subjects like physical education, biology, or food and nutrition can lead to lucrative careers working with athletes, teams, or leagues.
Off the field, there’s the business side: agents, often with legal backgrounds, negotiate contracts, appearance fees and sponsorships. Their teams may include personal assistants, accountants and financial managers. Increasingly vital is the publicist, who helps even emerging athletes with public speaking, brand management, social media and press appearances.
A lot goes into ensuring an athlete’s success. There are countless pathways into sports, even for those who never “kick a lime”, as we say in the Caribbean. No job is too small, and living on a small island is no barrier. Many from our region have achieved greatness internationally, not just as athletes, but as the people behind them.
