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MARIGOT--St. Martin Football Association (SMFA) inaugurated its new offices at 34 Rue de La Liberté, Marigot, on Saturday, in the presence of Préfet Philippe Chopin, Territorial Councillor Antero de Jesus Santos Paulino (standing in for Alain Gros-Desormeaux), invited Confederation of Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) officials, SMFA board members, sponsors and contractors.
  The location is the former Mission Local office.  The office has a spacious reception area on entry and interior offices at the back. The football association will also be keeping its original office at the Alberic Richards Stadium for technical development, referees, coaches etc.
  Those congratulating the association with brief remarks included the Préfet, Antero de Jesus Santos Paulino, and Head of the Referees Committee from CONCACAF Alfredo Whitaker who read out a message from the CONCACAF President.
  CONCACAF signed a partnership agreement with the Collectivité in March in Miami, whereby CONCACAF will assist the Collectivité with training and technical assistance. St. Martin became a full member of CONCACAF in April 2013.
  “SMFA under the leadership of Fabrice Baly has improved the image and strengthened the quality of football in St. Martin,” said Whitaker quoting the CONCACAF president. “During the past six months the association has rebranded itself with a new logo and organised an international youth tournament. The notion of ‘better, bigger and beyond’ will ultimately contribute to the preparations and advancement of football in St. Martin. Congratulations to Fabrice Baly and his team for bringing a fresh perspective to the sport. Our goal is to help SMFA achieve its goals.”
  Baly said opening new offices is just one project in the overall vision of seeing kids reach a higher level in football and where talent can be exported.
  “The challenge that we have to make this happen is finding ourselves too small minded and emotional over administration issues,” he stated candidly. “Emotions stop the growth of bigger things and hinder an entire operation without realising the impact of this stupidity.” He appealed to the Collectivité and Préfet for support not “words.”
  “We have a big need for infrastructure. There is talk and more talk, but we realise it’s just not a priority for anybody. I appeal to you both, give us a helping hand.”
  It was confirmed however, that renovation of three sports stadiums has started, beginning with the Alberic Richards Stadium. The Préfet noted the State contributed six million euros over three years towards renovations of all sports infrastructure.
  President of the Chamber of Commerce Jean Arnell noted his company Computech’s sponsorship to the football community is for a number of years, not a one-time sponsorship.
  “We take corporate social responsibility seriously although our company is small,” he said. “Our initiative is to provide sponsorship and our employees contribute to community initiatives also. I encourage other St. Martin businesses to play a role as corporate citizens.  I think it’s regrettable that football and other associations who are doing a great job have difficulty carrying out programmes because of finances.”
  Baly thanked all the sponsors by name. Contributors included Computech that paid for the rebranding, Siapoc did the painting of the building, and Flanders put on a new roof.
  After the cutting of the ribbon guests enjoyed a glass of champagne. The ceremony was emceed by Wendy Elie.