SVG Netballers to Be Paid in Semi-Pro League

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By R. Butcher. Updated 10:24 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Netball players in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will now be paid for each game in the newly launched semi-professional national competition, which officially began on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves said that players will be paid EC$200 per game, while each team is expected to take part in a total of eight games. This means that each player will receive EC$1,600.

The Prime Minister also stated that at the end of the competition, the winning team will receive EC$20,000, second place will get EC$15,000, and third place will take home EC$10,000. Each team will receive a participation fee of EC$4,000, while the Player of the Tournament will walk away with EC$1,000.

This initiative is being managed by the SVG Netball Association (SVGNA) and aims to support the growth and development of local athletes. At the launching event, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the growth and development of sports in SVG.

“This competition is not just about netball,” Dr. Gonsalves said. “It is about recognising our athletes, building opportunities for young people, and strengthening community pride.”

Five teams are taking part in the competition: Maples, Mitres, X-ceed, Netters and Sion Hill. Each comprises twelve players, a coach, a manager and a primary care person. Matches will be played at the Kingstown Netball Centre and other venues, while the competition will be contested in a round robin format over two rounds, on all days except Sundays.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that netball is the country’s highest-ranked sport, currently standing at 17th globally, and acknowledged the athletes’ recent championship victory in Grenada. He recalled the nation’s proud legacy in the sport, including Vincentian representation on the 1960 West Indies netball team.

Dr. Gonsalves said that the government’s support for athletes’ education and career development has seen the introduction of policies that ensure national representatives are either enrolled in school, engaged in tertiary education, or employed. Scholarships and training opportunities continue to be provided across all sports.

This information was provided by the Agency of Public Information.