St Lawrence College’s Director of Sport, Seth Simmons, recently returned from a highly successful five-day recruitment trip to Trinidad & Tobago, forging valuable connections and identifying talented young athletes who could benefit from the College’s world-class facilities and coaching. The visit, organised with the support of Beach Education, included a dynamic recruitment fair and productive meetings with key figures in the region’s sporting community.
A significant highlight of the trip was the opportunity for Seth to engage with some of the most influential individuals in Trinidad & Tobago’s sporting landscape. Among them was David Furlonge, Head Cricket Coach at Queen’s Park Cricket Club, where he has overseen an impressive record of 11 championship titles in 18 years. With the likes of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, and the legendary Brian Lara having come through QPCC, David’s dedication to fostering young cricketing talent aligns perfectly with St Lawrence College’s commitment to sports excellence.
Another key meeting was with Grace Jackson OLY, an Olympic silver medallist in the 200m at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and former Jamaican record-holder in the 200m and 400m. Now the Head of Sports & Facilities at The St Augustine Academy of Sport at the University of the West Indies, Grace’s passion for developing young athletes was truly inspiring. Her desire to create opportunities for talented children in Trinidad & Tobago resonates with the mission of St Lawrence College.
Discussions with Kairon Serrette, Head of Partnerships & Alliances at The Sports Company of Trinidad & Tobago, were equally promising. Exploring a potential collaboration between St Lawrence College and the nation’s emerging sports stars opens up exciting possibilities for both institutions.
Further strengthening ties with academia and sport, Seth met Dr Anand Rampersad, Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences at the University of the West Indies and a key figure in Trinidad & Tobago Women’s Cricket. His advocacy for student development aligns with the College’s holistic approach to education and sport.
The visit also included discussions with Avinash Ramsubhag, a leading educator at Bishop Anstey & Trinity College East 6th Form and treasurer of the Trinidad & Tobago Women’s Cricket Association. These conversations explored pathways for not only younger athletes but also university students looking to further their sporting careers as potential Sports Graduates at St Lawrence College.
A tour of the University of the West Indies facilities with Bernadette Antoine, General Secretary of The Trinidad & Tobago Women’s Cricket Association, provided further insight into the future of cricket in the West Indies. Alongside Anand and Avinash, Bernadette is playing a key role in shaping opportunities for aspiring athletes.
The trip also facilitated exciting discussions in rugby with Maurice Valere and Jonathan O’Connor, both of whom have represented Trinidad & Tobago at Rugby 7s at various levels. Maurice has coached the national U19 Men’s Team for seven years, while Jonathan now serves as Assistant Coach to the Men’s National Team and U18 National Team. The partnership aims to expand rugby opportunities between St Lawrence College and the region’s promising players.
Reflecting on the visit, Seth expressed enthusiasm for the future collaborations, stating: “It was a privilege to meet so many passionate and dedicated individuals committed to the growth of sport in Trinidad & Tobago. We look forward to working together to provide exceptional opportunities for gifted and talented athletes from the region.”
St Lawrence College is excited about the potential these partnerships hold and looks forward to welcoming future sporting stars from Trinidad & Tobago to its community.