What was once an abandoned lot in the heart of Poor Man’s Corner, St Thomas filled with garbage and untapped potential has been transformed into the vibrant heartbeat of the community.

Kaana Pitch, a synthetic football turf created by Roger Gordon and Anika Gordon, owners of Jam Flooring and Outdoor Supplies, is home to the Kaana Pitch Football League, an annual competition that draws teams and spectators from across St Thomas, Bull Bay, and Kingston.

This year’s league which concluded on September 21, brought together 21 teams, with team El Chapo emerging victorious, claiming the $100,000 grand prize. TT Money secured second place and took home $50,000, while Red Hills came in third with $25,000.

“The competition has done a lot for the community as well the players individually in terms of the support, the joy, the happiness that it brings. Over the years, Yallahs has always been Yallahs. Most likely when a football competition or a get-together arrives, when people can come out, the kids can witness happiness, joy, peace and love on most of us face. It’s a good look. Hope to see it better off next year, more turnout, more support, and bring a lot more joy to us as players and the community,” shared Andrew, a player from the Red Hills team.

A member of the winning El Chapo team, praised the organisers of the league stating: “This league was really structured and organised and I can commend them on completing this competition without incidents and stuff like that so it was a really good competition and for us as champions I commend my team to be so resilient throughout the competition and come out victorious.”

Meanwhile, coach Tommy Ricketts of El Chapo, added that beyond football, the league promotes discipline and personal development among the youth.

“It has been fun and attractive because the youths always want to learn more. And they learn a better behavior pattern as a youngster growing up in it as well,” he said.

The grand finale of the Kaana Pitch League was not just about trophies but celebrating the youth and giving back to the community in the form of a back-to-school treat.

“I believe that bringing the youths in the proper manner, encouraging them to work together and to strive together, and with the help of people who are leaders within communities and leaders within business and leaders within the whole environment that the youths are developing. It’s important to encourage them,” said Roger Gordon, who along with Moesha Phillips, Bryan Simms and Shannon Wilson are the organisers of the football competition.

“We realise that football plays an important role. So, even the police in the community say it really helps most of the youth to stay off the streets and get involved in certain things,” he added.

Kaana Pitch not only serves as a football pitch but an area for community members to hangout on the weekend, host events or even exercise. The transformation of the space began when Roger and Anika Gordon decided to repurpose an abandoned lot into a recreational area.

“There was this empty property in the community [Poor Man’s Corner] that was abandoned and basically harbouring a lot of dumping and people used it to do all manner of things. What we did first was to clear the property and then we said to ourselves that in order to help develop the youths, because most people tend to, boys especially, tend to go towards football, we say make we create this pitch,” he shared.

Gordon further shared that plans are in place for a pickleball court to cater to elderly persons and a netball court.

This year, the league attracted 10 sponsors which included Klesing Industrial Supplies Ltd, Romax Auto Parts and Accessories, Double Scoops Restaurant, Young Sangs Bakery, Cindy Supreet Gordon’s Garden, Moleca Pastry Dreams in Reality Cakes & Pastries, Jam Flooring & Outdoor Supplies, Party Preps and Rentals, Poster Place and Kaana Pitch.

Gordon said he hopes more sponsors will come onboard for the next staging of the initiative.

First-place team, El Chapo, with team manager popularly known as “El Chapo”

Dante Lewis (left) was recognised as the best-performing player from the Red Hills team, who secured third place. Presenting the certificate was Kaana Pitch organiser Moesha Phillips.

Finals line up El Chapo (left) vs TT Money (right) with referee Kemar Scott.

Back-to-school packages distributed to students during the finals of the Kaana Pitch Football League