Now the day is over…

The inaugural semi- pro Netball League is over and done with.

An initiative of the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and executed by Netball St Vincent and the Grenadines, the league ended last Wednesday, October 15, 2025, one month after the five-team tournament started.

It marked for the first time in the history of the sport that players were allocated a match fee for their efforts.

As such players were assured of $200 per match, which worked out to $1,600 per player, whilst the winning unit, Mitres pockets $20,000; second place, X- Ceed , $15,000 and third place, Netters- $10,000.

Also, the Most Outstanding Player, Kimesha Antoine of Maple would collect $1,000.

Like the top three, the other competing teams – Maple and Sion Hill will receive appearance fees.

Indeed, the injection of much needed direct funds to players, teams, officials, and others, was welcomed and has opened the possibilities of what a lot a little can do.

Critically, the financial rewards acted as external stimuli, hence in general there was an up-tick in efficiency and commitment.

Visibly as well, there was improvement in the standard of play from all five teams. Overall, Netball was the winner in the exercise. But as we celebrate the conclusion of the first of its kind for netball, one has to ponder on a few things. It must be highlighted and kept relevant that the league was politically initiated. And nothing is wrong with a political institution to utilize every possible avenue to score points, rack up narratives and have references.

Beyond the agreed motive, what is the way forward for the league?

This is pertinent as the country awaits the decision-making process via national elections expected before the end of year.

Hence, given the nature of the 2025 arrangements, it is yet uncertain that there will be a 2026 edition, as a lot hinges on what takes place by the electorate later this year.

Despite those dark, hovering clouds, some means must be pursued to have a remuneration system in place for our netballers.

Like other sporting disciplines, whilst they are by nature amateur, moving to some form of sustained semi- professional status can only serve to grow netball and infuse greater interest.

Moreover, with expected returns, the next generation will be extrinsically motivated to take the sport seriously, which in turn ensures competitiveness and ultimately a better netball product for St Vincent and the Grenadines. Should any sustained move be made, then development of the infrastructure should follow on.

Maybe, this column is wishful, as the just concluded league has duly served its purpose and nothing more.

Looking optimistically, netball needs that fillip, that jolt of reward to complement the other upward steps that are taking effect.

In the meantime, while we ponder, the lovers of netball and sports generally, hail the effort of the semi-pro league and extracted all the positives as the sport was the biggest beneficiary.