Steven Kendrew Steps Down After 9 Year Reign As President Of The PPL
If there is one word in particular that describes Steve, it is “passionate”. During Steve’s tenure as President of the Provo Premier League (PPL), the TCIFA has seen enormous improvement in the Men’s Football Programme, and growth and improvement in the quality of our Men’s Leagues. “We are so thankful for Steve’s behind-the-scenes work and especially his energy and dedication to men’s football,“ said President Sonia Fulford. “He leaves the PPL on a strong footing for those who follow him.”
“Thank you Steve, for your 9 years of service!”
Story By The Weekly News:
The Provo Premier League (PPL) will commence its next chapter later this year without long-standing president, Steven 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 its sad to step down, I will still be a fan and on the TCIFA ExCo overseeing the progress of the league, but its 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 PPL further".”
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 reigns to Kendrew. Over the next two years, the senior valuation surveyor was able to 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 needed 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 expat players, many of them super-talented players including the folliwing that stand out: Many of the national team but particularly Marco Fenelus, Alexander Bryan, Jepthe Francois (Belbwa), Lenford Singh, Junior Paul, Peterson Pluviose, and Elton Charles. Still playing: Brian Gregg, Fritzgerald Norvius, Samuel Nacius, Jeanlis Job, Christopher 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, Barringont (Tunk) Somers, Xavier Amau Gili, and Paul Button. As for talented Coaches, Gary Brough, Gerry Gregg, Dane Ritchie, 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 I’m grateful for all who have helped me, including Syed Hassan for designing our great logo, Gilley and Desmond Williams for heir sponsorship, and Sonia Fulford for her support generally, not to mention all of the TCIFA staff, including Fritz Elvariste. My fondest memories are mainly Sharks moment… 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 its a shame more English Premier League football fans that I know here on island do not come out to support the local league.”