Molino, Theobald take top honours at TTPFL Awards
Molino, Theobald take top honours at TTPFL Awards
The National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) auditorium in Port of Spain was the stage for an evening of pride and achievement as the 2025 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Gala Awards honoured the best performers of the season.
Defence Force captain Kevin Molino and Head Coach (former) Densill Theobald walked away with two of the night’s most prestigious accolades — Tier 1 Player of the Season and Tier 1 Coach of the Season respectively. Both men were central to Defence Force’s standout campaign, and their dominance reflected the club’s continued strength at the top level.
In Tier 2, Kelshall Alexander of Defence Force was named Coach of the Season, underscoring the club’s depth of talent and leadership.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Derrell “Zoom Zoom” Garcia was named 2025 Rising Star, a nod to his flair, promise, and the bright future ahead for the young player.
In his feature address, TTPFL CEO Yale Antoine described the 2025 season as “not just another chapter in the league’s young history — but a turning point in our ambition to build a professional football ecosystem that is sustainable, competitive, and proudly ours; guided by an administration duly elected by our esteemed members.”
Click here to access Facebook Page Photo Gallery of the Awards Ceremony
He highlighted a season defined by growth, improved professionalism, and stronger community connections:
“From the energy on matchdays to the discipline off the field, we saw clubs raising their standards, young talents emerging, and communities and supporters reconnecting with the game they love. We also saw the return of packed stands in several venues, a testament to the growing trust and belief in what we are building together.”
Antoine outlined several major strides for the league in 2025:
Deepened collaboration with regional and international stakeholders, including CONCACAF and FIFA, with a focus on development and good governance.
Greater competitiveness from Tier 2 clubs, showing the impact of work being done at grassroots and semi-professional levels, and participating on a larger scale than ever before.
Continued rollout of professional licensing standards and the implementation of systems to better monitor player welfare, match operations, and club administration.
Acknowledging that such structural improvements might seem like “red tape” to some, Antoine stressed their importance as foundational progress for both tiers of the league.
The CEO expressed gratitude to key partners who have supported the league’s vision:
The Executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association for their guidance.
The Ministry of Sport and Community Development for their steadfast backing and belief in the power of football.
Sponsors and broadcast partners who believed in the product even during its formative stages.
As we look to the future, the goals are simple but ambitious:
• Continue to raise the professional standard of the TTPFL;
• Invest in domestic staff and player development through our in-house initiatives such as coaching and administrative courses;
• Expand the league’s commercial appeal; and
• Cement football’s place as a positive force in our national life.
The night closed on a note of optimism, with award winners and attendees looking ahead to building on this year’s successes — both on the pitch and behind the scenes — as the TTPFL continues its push towards a stronger professional football future for Trinidad and Tobago.
Special Awards – Honouring Excellence On and Off the Pitch
The Gala also celebrated individuals and organisations whose contributions went beyond match results:
Stalwart Award – For enduring the grind of all 22 match weeks and meeting the league where it stood: Shelton Williams (FC Phoenix).
Unbroken Line Award – For completing the season unbeaten: Ryan Ottley (TT Defence Force Elite).
Pitch Perfect Presence – For outstanding marketing and social media work: Shakira Thompson (TT Defence Force Elite).
Home Away from Home Award – For consistently offering facilities, kits, and support to fellow teams: Mr. Gregory Mc Sween (Harlem Strikers).
Golden Glove
TTPFL T1 – Marvin Phillip (ACPOS).
TTPFL T2 – Denzel Riley (Malabar Youngstars) — an impressive feat in their first-ever TTPFL season.
Golden Boot
TTPFL T1 – Tyrone Charles (Central FC).
TTPFL T2 – Joash Baird (Palo Seco Union Hall United).
Outstanding Players by Position
Defender of the Season T1 – Isaiah Garcia (TTDF Elite).
Defender of the Season T2 – Theo Crovador (TTDF T2).
Midfielder of the Season T1 – Kevin Molino (TTDF Elite).
Midfielder of the Season T2 – Isaiah Williams (Malabar Youngstars).
Forward of the Season T1 – Isaiah Leacock (TTDF Elite).
Forward of the Season T2 – Gerald Meloney (Malabar Youngstars).
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
Twelfth Man Award – Gary St. Rose, Sharon O’Brien, Tyrique Lambert, Yuri Chapman.
Award for Administrative Service – Jillann O’Connor.
Executive Distinction Award – Sharon O’Brien.
Legacy of Service Award – Kurt Harry.
Legacy in the Making – Tisha Belfon.
Referees and Match Officials
Outstanding Service Award – Kwinsi Williams.
Excellence in Officiating Award – Cecile Hinds.
Champions of 2025
TTPFL Tier 1 Champions – Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Elite, also named Team of the Season by vote.
This year’s Gala wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a statement. From emerging talents to lifelong contributors, from championship glory to quiet acts of service, the 2025 season proved that Trinidad and Tobago football is not just being played… it’s being built.
