A World Game

One of the great things about soccer is that it is truly a world game. Wherever you are on planet earth, you'll probably find someone somewhere playing soccer and usually playing it a a very high level.

On a recent vacation to the island of St Kitts, my wife and I decided to check out a local game. On a weeknight we went to see the St Kitts Premier League's top ranked team, the Village Superstars FC from the west side of Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts and Nevis. They played the Trinity Strikers. After a back and forth first half, the Village Superstars broke out in the second half with a resounding 6-1 victory. The game was played at Warner Park in the center of Basseterre. It's a beautiful stadium in the heart of downtown.

After we got back to our hotel, one of the managers at the hotel learned that we had gone to the game. She arranged for me to meet Anthony Johnson, the president of the local Newtown United FC from the east side of Basseterre. Mr Johnson took me on a tour of their facilities and arranged for me to visit the team during their Saturday afternoon practice. Newtown is the most celebrated club on the island of St Kitts. They have won the premier league title 13 times in the last 25 years. They are also the reigning league champions. I had the opportunity to meet many of the players as well as Head Coach - Anthony Isaac, Technical Director - Clinton Percival and Team Manager - Derrick Fyfield. Even though we didn't get to see them play, it was a thrill to get to visit with one of the top teams on the island.

With such great talent and a fine stadium, I wonder why there aren't more tourist at the local games. If you're ever traveling abroad, check out the local talent, you'll be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained.