The SLFA First Division (previously known as the Gold Division) is the top division of the Saint Lucia Football Association.
The 2017 SLFA First Division was the 39th season of top-division association football in Saint Lucia.
The premier division in St. Lucian football features eight elite clubs from around the island. Every year two clubs are promoted to this top tier competition while the bottom to clubs are relegated to the second division more formerly known as The President’s Cup. The first division is a single round robin formatted competition in which clubs are ranked according to the number of points amassed and goals scored in the games played. This year the top two clubs of last year’s President’s Cup, VSADC and Ti Rocher FC were promoted to the premier division. These newly promoted clubs exceeded the expectations of most by giving a noteworthy account of themselves via their impressive performances. The two clubs showed impeccable resilience against the heavyweights on the island finishing the table in third and fourth place respectively. They have hence comfortably secured their place into next year’s competition and have begun building their reputation as two of the most improved and formidable clubs on the island.
Bottom of the table finishers Young Roots had a torrid season this year. They struggled to gain any forward momentum capitulating to all of the premier division contenders except Ti Rocher FC with whom, in their particular encounter, they shared the spoils. The club which originates from Vieux Fort North will have to re-evaluate their tactical approaches and structural organization in the coming year. They were the only club this year to be relegated to the President’s Cup; where they will have a chance to rebuild, reconfigure their focus and strive again to make it in the big yard (The Premier Division). Last year’s victors Survivals FC, this year did not feature in the first division. This comes as the club deliberates issues of internal contention before the guiding eye of the competition’s organizers and general overseers of football in Saint Lucia, The SLFA. This is hence the reason why only one club was demoted this year while two clubs advance from the President’s Cup. Such a decision means that the former champions will be an unfortunate exclusion from next year’s First division Championship.
The champion club of the tournament this year was decided in an epic final game. The top two teams, Massy Northern United and Platinum FC could’ve both won the crown with one more game to be played. Tantalisingly, the final game of the fixture was an encounter between the two said clubs. Massy Northern however, had the upper hand; being two points ahead of Platinum, they already had a one hand clasped around the trophy. Only a victory for Platinum could’ve gotten Northern to relinquish their firm grasp on the trophy. However, this could not be perceived as an impossible task for Platinum FC despite Northern’s flawless run of form. Platinum FC is a team originating from Vieux Fort North; a league which has virtually made a clean sweep of all available national championships on the island. Nonetheless, Massy Northern were intent on disrupting the anticipated southern festivities as they came out with a very rigid and defence oriented formation. Knowing that a draw would be suffice to bring home the silverware, they committed all their players to defending in the final game of the season. They played a raw, unattractive, but defensively sound game. Massy Northern showed no intent to attack throughout the game. Their approach to the game was to quickly clear their lines and extinguish any opposing attacking threat; basically the well-known, but highly ostracised “pack the bus” tactic. Platinum FC attacked ceaselessly but Northern United were just too organized, there were just too many bodies impeding Platinum from making any meaningful penetration. In the end, the score line remained at stalemate much to the delight of the Massy Northern United football team and their fans alike. Massy Northern United are hence the champions of the First Division Football League and they sit at the helm of club football in Saint Lucia. The two other teams involved in the competition, Big Players and RV Jrs finished in fifth and sixth place respectively.
This victory for Northern is quite significant as it presents to them the opportunity to represent St. Lucia on the regional level. The win qualifies Massy Northern United to participate in the CONCACAF Champion’s League next year. Northern now has the unique chance whereby they can obtain regional and international exposure and also the ability to grow holistically as a club.
The title was won by Northern United All Stars
In 2018, the First Division League will recommence with a full contingent of eight teams. It is expected to be competed at an even grander scale with the promotion of Uptown Rebels FC and Allez United from the recently concluded President’s Cup.
Source: http://www.stluciafa.org/
http://stluciasportsonline.com
https://www.footballgroundmap.com
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