February 2026 marked an energising and impactful start to the year for United Through Sport Saint Lucia. With the arrival of new international volunteers and a full calendar of grassroots, school and performance programmes underway, the month showcased exactly how sport is transforming lives across the island.
From preschool beach sessions to national tournaments, here’s what impact looked like in February.
Building Confidence from the Very Beginning
Our open-water programme continued to create meaningful first sporting experiences for children aged 3-5.
Through beach-based learning and open-water swimming sessions, children developed:
- Early motor skills and coordination
- Water safety awareness
- Communication and social skills
- Confidence in unfamiliar environments
These sessions are about far more than swimming. They are about helping children make choices, adapt to new challenges, and build confidence.
For many, this is their first structured engagement with the ocean and sport, and it’s laying the foundation for lifelong participation.
Inclusive Sport: Tailored SEN Support
In February, we continued delivering 1-to-1 sport and sensory sessions for children with additional needs.
These personalised sessions created safe, supportive environments where young people could:
- Build self-confidence
- Strengthen teamwork skills
- Develop physical literacy at their own pace
Ensuring that sport is inclusive and accessible remains central to our mission.
Increasing Female Participation
Creating more opportunities for girls in sport was a major focus this month.
We delivered:
- Girls-only football sessions
- Girls-only basketball sessions
- Female-focused academy training
- Netball sessions supported by an international coach
By creating intentional spaces for girls to develop skills and confidence, we are strengthening long-term participation pathways and leadership opportunities in sport.
Cricket: From Grassroots to Global Pathways
Cricket is deeply embedded in Saint Lucian culture, inspired by legends such as Daren Sammy and Johnson Charles.
At UTS, our cricket programme spans the full development pathway.
Grassroots Impact:
- Structured introductory coaching
- Strong technical foundations
- Positive first match experiences
- Confidence, discipline and teamwork development
Performance Pathways (12+ years of delivery):
- Advanced tactical coaching
- Access to specialist equipment
- Sports psychology and physiotherapy support
- Overseas playing opportunities
Our approach goes beyond performance. We use cricket to build professionalism, employability and real opportunity.
Competition & Talent Development Success
February also brought major competitive milestones:
- National Independence Tennis Plate winners
- Tag Rugby Independence Tournament champions
- Coaching and competing at the National Independence Tennis Centre tournament
- Supporting 80+ academy footballers in their transition to the next level
These achievements reflect more than talent; they represent resilience, commitment and belief in young athletes’ potential.
A Growing Global Family
The month also marked the arrival of new international volunteers, including one joining the Avengers Netball Team, strengthening both our global network and local squad development.
Their expertise continues to enhance delivery across football, cricket, netball, rugby, tennis and early years programmes.
Why This Matters
Across schools, beaches, academies and competition venues, February was united by one theme: opportunity.
Opportunity to:
- Discover talent
- Build confidence
- Develop life skills
- See a pathway forward
We are incredibly proud of the impact already created in 2026 and grateful to the volunteers, schools, partners, and our community who make this work possible.
Get Involved & What’s Coming Next
None of this impact would be possible without our incredible international and local volunteers who bring energy, expertise and passion to every session.
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read, there are many ways to get involved, whether by volunteering on one of our programmes, partnering with us, or supporting our work at a charitable level.
Keep an eye out for upcoming initiatives, including our quarterly Miles for Smiles charity event, a global fundraising challenge helping us create even more opportunities for young people through sport.
Here’s to another year of building futures through sport in Saint Lucia. Find out more or get involved.
