For several decades now, St Vincent and the Grenadines has been churning out persons who have used the combination of their academics and sporting prowess to carve out professional careers.

As such, sports has become the vehicle for them to earn degrees and, ultimately, a better standard of living.

As time has elapsed, there has not been drastic changes, as there are still demands for Vincentian sporting talents, namely to the US junior colleges, colleges and universities.

This is notwithstanding that the scrutiny is more challenging and requires meticulous fact checks and authentication.

But it is noteworthy that within the past 10 years or so, there have been some new developments as the status quo has shifted.

Hence, Track and Field athletes are no longer taking the lion’s share of those jetting off to the US.

Critically, we are seeing a number of our young footballers taking the opportunities presented to plunge into the US school system, thanks to some networking from some persons here, namely the indefatigable Ian Sardine, who would have made the connections and the main conduit.

The statistics have shown that the process which was at first scoffed at, continues to bear fruit.

Delving into some of the bright sides and sparks of what now can be deemed a fluid programme, one would be surprised to know the numbers who have gained either their Associates Degree and have transition to their Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees.

Among the areas of qualification are Leadership and Public Administration, Recreation Management, Sports Studies, Liberal Studies, as well as General Studies.

The wide range of areas indicates that the successful students are in better marketable standings

than they were before leaving the shores of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Understandably, achieving a higher level of education and certification, has broadened these youngsters’ thinking and aspirations in life.

Whether or not these young footballers return to St Vincent and the Grenadines to serve (if the system can consume them) is immaterial, as they would have in some way made some personal accomplishments.

As others in different fields of endeavour and employment, St Vincent and the Grenadines is their birth place, and in most cases, where their hearts reside.

With this entrenched, our country stands to benefit from regular remittances and ultimately long- term investments, both materially and in expertise.

It is more than heartening that there are another handful who are in pursuance of their academic achievements, while there are others who are being processed to join the successful lot and further their education.

This column will forever advocate for those who have the academic acumen and the prerequisite sporting talents, to grab with both hands any outlet to empower and upgrade themselves.

It must be agreed that the departure of many of our young sportsmen and sportswomen have given hope for others, whose sporting talents would have otherwise been placed on hold or at a standstill, wedged in uncertainty.

Beyond everything else, experiences in different countries such as the US, forcibly make our otherwise sheltered individuals into more assertive and confident individuals.

But like everything else, there will always be hiccups, short comings and drop outs.

And, there have been, and one has to look beyond the inevitable outcomes. Therefore, despite the few negatives, the positives far outweigh them.

Learning from the mistakes of others is a part of life and lessons acquired are priceless.

Getting more persons involved and greater support for our young sportsmen and sportswomen is critical towards national development, albeit from the outside and flowing back inwards.

We have to be real with ourselves that in St Vincent and the Grenadines, in spite of the many good things that are on offer, there are limitations in opportunities.

Providing that egress via academics and sports, can do a world of good for the current generations and those to come.