Kendrew steps down after nine-year reign as PPL president

– Cites personal reasons for decision

THE Provo Premier League (PPL) will commence its next chapter later this year without long-standing president Steve Kendrew. The charismatic official decided to step down this week after nine years of service. Citing personal reasons (need for more family time, work time and personal time) for his departure, the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Executive Committee member responsible for men’s football, noted that he is confident that the league would continue to grow. “Although it’s sad to step down, I will still be a fan and on the TCIFA ExCo overseeing the progress of the league, but it’s a big, time-consuming job and I hope it is given sufficient resource to operate well. I’m sure my committed Competitions Committee colleagues including Andrew Edwards, Hortnel Johnson, Tamara Hall, Sabuton John and Marvette Darien and whoever my successor is, will continue to grow and improve the PPL further.”

Steve Kendrew took over from Stephen Wilson in 2011

Kendrew, who has been on island since 2008, noted that he enjoyed transitioning from a player to a player/administrator. “I was playing for SWA Sharks when I arrived on island in 2008 and so it was a pleasure to get involved in the administration side also later on.”

In March of 2011, after five years as Men’s Football League (MFL) president, Stephen Wilson handed over the reins to Kendrew. Over the next two years, the senior valuation surveyor was able to

Steve Kendrew says he would now focus a lot of his time and energy on his four-year-old son Louis.

acquire the services of WIV as the title sponsors while he grew the league in terms of players and teams. During this time, he also changed its name to the Provo Premier League.

Over the years, numerous national players were able to get much need playing time in the PPL, including the likes of Marco Fenelus. Kendrew said that a number of players who defined what football was on the island inspired him and they became friends. “Over that time, I have gotten to know many local and ex-pat players, many of them super-talented players including the following that stand out: Many of the national team but particularly Marco Fenelus, Alex Bryan, Jepthe Francois (Belbwa), Lenford Singh, Junior Paul, Wildens Delva and Fred Dorvil but also Patrick Alouidor, Raymond Burey, Junior Paul, Peterson Pluviose and Elton Charles. Still playing: Brian Gregg, Fritzgerald Norvius, Samuel Nacius, Jeanlis Job, Chris Bryan, Romain Small, Rodne Etienne, Kevern de Bellot and Rodrigo Torres. Going back a bit: Horace James, Richie Lock, James Rene, Lee Coulton, Daz Meehan, Dane Ritchie, Syed Hassan, Steve Thompson, Barrington (Tunk) Somers, Xavier Arnau Gili and Paul Button. As for talented Coaches, Gary Brough, Gerry Gregg, Dane Ritchie and Oliver Smith all stand out.” The departing PPL head added that Simon Wood, the Sharks’ Chairman and goalkeeper and Vernon Johnson who is in charge of Beaches FC have also been supportive.

Kendrew tried to keep the league relevant by adding new layers. He later obtained the services of Digicel and then that of Gilley’s Enterprises, who is the current title sponsor.

Overall, the football enthusiast noted that he has always been a fan of the league and enjoyed its growth and development under his watch. “I have enjoyed developing the PPL and am grateful for all who have helped me, including Syed Hassan for designing our great logo, Gilley and Desmond Williams for their sponsorship support and Sonia Fulford for her support generally, not to mention all of the TCIFA staff, including Fritz Elvariste. My fondest memories are mainly Sharks moments… and saving a penalty in a President’s Cup penalty shoot-out was up there. Also, there have been some great games that I have watched that have been too many to mention.” As he bows out, the FA executive member is hoping that more persons can support the league. “The PPL is super entertainment for football fans and it’s a shame more English Premier League football fans that I know here onisland do not come out and support our local league.”

Overall, we at the Weekly News join the rest of the football community in thanking Steve for his years of service with the PPL.