Cricket returns to Victoria Park

Cricket may be returning to the Victoria Park. The facility, which is now in the hands of the National Lotteries Authority, is currently undergoing an extensive redo, with the obvious addition of a cricket pitch. {{more}}

This recent development may put paid to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s efforts to have that venue as its home.

These efforts were seen by many as far-fetched, granted the configuration of the facility, and the financial returns the venue derives. Victoria Park has long been the cultural centre in the state, and the continued infrastructural development is geared towards that.

In addition, the colonial condition under which the Victoria Park was granted further negates the federation’s demands.

The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation is intensifying its campaign to get a home for the sport.

The Federation in a release this week called on the support of the general public to help carry its cause.

The release signed by the newly appointed Public Relations Officer stated, “ The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation is soliciting the support of the Vincentian football public in their quest for a home for the development of football.”

The release advanced that on November 7th 2005, FIFA approved US$400,000 for a Goal Project.

“The Football Federation is of the view that the best option for the development of football is a training complex, because of the lack of training area”, the release further stated.

The SVGFF is requesting the long-term lease or ownership of lands to complete the project. The Federation has identified the Victoria Park as its preferred choice.

The Federation previously requested the Campden Park Playing Field, but was rejected by the National Sports Council.

The Victoria Park was once the venue for several Windward Islands cricket tournaments during the early 1970’s.