Cabinet has endorsed a major transformation of national sports development following a detailed presentation by Minister for Sport Daryl Matthew. The plan calls for decentralizing sports training and athlete development, making professional coaching and facilities accessible to communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
Central to the initiative is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence and Youth Academy, which will serve as the main hub for nurturing elite talent and providing access to sports science support and high-performance training. To widen access, Cabinet approved the enhancement of key sporting facilities, including the Paraes, Jennings, and All Saints playing fields. These locations will serve as regional development centres feeding into the national training ecosystem.
The initiative aims to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s presence in regional and international sports while embedding youth development at the heart of national policy. Government officials described the plan as a significant investment in talent, community empowerment, and long-term sporting excellence.
