BAVINA SOOKDEO
AS Trinidad and Tobago commemorates Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day on March 30, the legacy of resilience, faith, and perseverance is brought to life through individuals like Theophilus Boyce.
At 58, Boyce is more than just a coach, mentor, and counsellor – he is a living testament to the transformative power of faith, using his journey to uplift and inspire the youth of Laventille and beyond.
Born and raised in Laventille with eight siblings, Boyce is an active member of the Mount Nebo Spiritual Baptist Church, Upper Bowen Trace, Snake Valley, Laventille. The son of Dolton and Lutwen Boyce, he attended the St Barb’s Government School, Morvant/Laventille Secondary School, and later Malick Senior Comprehensive School.
Certified by the TT Football Association as a coach, Boyce has also completed counselling courses as part of his certification through the association. He holds coaching licences for both primary and secondary school levels.
A devoted father of 12 boys and five girls, Boyce is regarded as a "captain" in his faith –a rank he received upon baptism and answering his calling –symbolised by the sash he wears.
From an early age, Boyce’s faith was deeply rooted in the guidance of his mother who introduced him to the Spiritual Baptist faith.
“It was through her that I came into the Spiritual Baptist community, a journey that shaped my perspective on life and instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and gratitude. Faith played a significant role in my early life, serving as a source of strength, guidance, and purpose.
“Being part of this faith has given me a strong foundation, teaching me the importance of perseverance, humility, and trusting in a higher purpose. It has been a guiding force through life’s challenges, reminding me to stay grounded, push forward, and embrace every opportunity with faith and determination.”
[caption id="attachment_1146572" align="alignnone" width="671"] Baptist "captain" Theophilus Boyce is a football coach and mentor in three schools in north and west Trinidad, he integrates faith into sports, instilling values of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork in his players. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
His passion for football began in childhood, shaping his discipline and resilience. Now, as a coach and mentor in three schools in north and west Trinidad, he integrates faith into sports, instilling values of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork in his players.
“My faith is the foundation of my daily life and deeply influences the work I do as a football coach. Every morning and night, I make it a priority to pray, seeking guidance and strength not just for myself but for those I lead. Most importantly, I ensure that prayer is at the heart of my team’s journey. Before we do anything –whether it’s training, a match, or even a simple team meeting –we come together in prayer. It serves as a reminder that our talents and opportunities are blessings, and through faith, we can overcome any challenge.
"Staying humble, leading with integrity,
