Photo: from left to right - SMSA President Nickie Owen, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb and SMSA Vice President Elton Jones during their visit to the current national football field in Sint Maarten.
SMSA intends to become a full member of CONCACAF
PHILLIPSBURG, Sint Maarten-- In order to further his quest of expanding football's development in the region, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb visited Sint Maarten on Wednesday, where he held meetings with officials from the Sint Maarten Soccer Association (SMSA), professional leagues and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Silveria Jacobs.
"We are aligning efforts in order to integrate and empower Caribbean football," said Webb. "There is much work to be done, but with the right leadership, focused vision and well-allocated resources, this region has the potential to grow and impress at international-level competitions."
SMSA's President Nickie Owen and Vice President Elton Jones reinforced their interest in becoming a full member of CONCACAF. Given their strong resolve, the application for full membership shall be submitted to CONCACAF in the near future. If accepted, this would allow the SMSA, among other things, to participate in official regional and international competitions.
During his short trip, Webb also visited the current national football field and expressed his unease at the state of decay of this facility. SMSA officials and the Minister shared with him the possibilities available towards improving football's infrastructure and developing youth players.
"I am very pleased with the passion and commitment shown by the football community towards change. I am confident that on my next trip to the island I will be gladly surprised by the progresses made on and off the field," expressed Webb. "Indeed, this visit is intended to open new avenues among stakeholders in order to make the necessary improvements so that Saint Martin's football can flourish to its maximum potential."
During a brief meeting with President Webb, Sports Minister Jacobs expressed her support in integrating efforts and assisting football to move forward on the island.
In October of 2010, Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, making it a constitutional equal partner with Aruba and Curaçao.
