Hope International FC marks thirtieth anniversary

Hope International FC is this year, 2025, marking 30 years of existence.

A media launch which took a form of a discussion and brief remarks, was held last Saturday, September

13, 2025, at the National Sports Council’s Conference Room, Arnos Vale.

The event heard from leading lights of the club who retraced its journey, and spoke about celebrations to mark the club’s pearl anniversary.

Bevan Lewis, whose younger sibling, James Lewis- the brain child who gave birth to the club- related to those present how Hope International emerged.

“At the end of the 1994 season(Sion Hill Football League), Jamie (James) was adamant that he would not find himself in that position, (so) one of the things he set about to do was to find sponsorship from Hope Construction, and that is where the name Hope International came from,” the elder Lewis recounted.

He was referring to the under-par performance of Valley Stars in the 1994 Sion Hill Football League, which resulted in the players, led by James, looking to forge a new pathway, hence, the coming together of a new entity, Hope International.

At that time, the club comprised mainly of players who were part of the Sion Hill Club; however, with the one player, one club ruling of 1997, Hope International then transitioned to be on its own.

Over time, the club has carved a name for itself, and is currently one of the most formidable units in Football competitions held across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Since its inception, Hope International has won several titles at the community league level, as well as at the national and regional levels.

Growth has been evident with the establishment of age group teams, a female outfit, along with a masters team.

To celebrate its 30 years in existence, several activities have been planned running from September to December, 2025.

“We cannot recognize that without having a church service, attending church to give God gratitude for bringing us this far as an organisation,” Secretary of the club, Cametha John said.

There are also plans to have a panel discussion on a football-related topic; undertake an international coaching clinic; host a legends match, “… and finally, we must be able to recognize our members over the years, our fans, our supporters. This we anticipate in a Gala and Awards Ceremony”, John outlined.

Also making remarks at the launch were Minister of Sports, Dr Orando Brewster; President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, Otashie Spring; and Vice President of the SVG Olympic Committee, Shimano Bailey.

Additionally, Roddy Dowers, Hope International’s first manager and President; Akin John, senior team manager; along with Kevin Hope, who is the technical director of the club’s Youth Development Programme, were also in attendance at the launch.

Kenson Stoddard, chaired the proceedings.