SVGFF heading towards Goal

The Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) is embarking on a project to build a Technical Centre at the Brighton Playing Field as its first FIFA Goal Project.{{more}}

The long overdue project entered another phase last week Friday evening, when officials of the SVGFF, along with area representative Clayton Burgin and Manager of the National Sports Council (NSC) Osbourne Browne held a town hall meeting with residents of the community and other stakeholders at the Brighton Methodist Church.

Proposed is the construction of two floor building, the erection of a bleacher, fencing and some other sprucing up of the Brighton Playing Field.

President of the SVGFF, Joseph Delves, in outlining the proposal to those in attendance, indicated that the project will be beneficial to the community and to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football.

The Football boss informed that the project will be financed by FIFA, through that body’s Goal Project Fund, from which all member countries of FIFA can access US$400,000.

He further pointed out that with such an undertaking, FIFA must be first assured that the SVGFF has some hold on the land.

And, with the present government granting the SVGFF a lease of 25 years on the field, the green light was given to proceed.

But this latest effort for a Goal Project for this country trails a passage of stops and starts.

The previous Executive under the leadership of St. Clair Leacock had proposed a football field as its initial choice. However, never did they find land space for such and neither was government prepared to give up or lease the then choices of fields.

Intent was shifted to an Administrative Office Complex to be erected at Quarry, next to the Grenadines Wharf.

Prolonged legal wrangling over ownership of the land bought by the SVGFF stalled the advancement of that project.

Delves revealed that an additional EC$74,000 had to be paid out by the Federation, so that the title could be rightfully theirs.

Delves emphasised, “the deed is unchallengeable”.

Having cleared these hurdles, Delves said that the Brighton site was the best choice as it possesses a good playing surface, which needs minimal upgrade.

With the use of slides, Delves detailed the make up of the main centre, which will serve several purposes as it will be equipped with dorms, with the capacity to hold forty players, and outfit with modern amenities necessary for team training and housing.

Among the facilities which Delves said will be part of the complex are a conference room, laundry, office, gym, lobby area, and dining facility.

He assured those gathered that the new facility will not be exclusively the SVGFF’s property, but will be available for use by the residents, and overall will enhance the aesthetics of the area.

The Football President stated that with all things being equal, the Technical Centre should be completed by 2011.