By Calvin Roberts
The various prize winners in the second annual Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Pepsi Inter-Association Under-17 football tournament including defending champions Upper Demerara Football Association received their spoils at a simple presentation ceremony held in the boardroom of the GFF yesterday.
Prior to the presentation, brief speeches were made by coordinator of the tournament Lawrence ‘Sparrow’ Griffith, president of GFF Colin Klass along with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) marketing manager (Pepsi) Alana Johnson.
Griffith took the opportunity to highlight facts about the tournament to members of the media.
“The tournament began on the 9th December with eight associations participating in four games at the Georgetown Football Club ground.
“The teams were divided into two groups, with the first phase of the competition being played on a round robin basis whilst the second stage was a knockout one. Berbice won their group with Upper Demerara placing second, whilst Bartica topped the other group and Georgetown ended as runner-up.”
“In the semifinals, Upper Demerara defeated Bartica in Bartica whilst Berbice lost to Georgetown at home in the other semifinal which meant that both group leaders lost their matches at home. In the final, Upper Demerara defeated Georgetown 1 nil.”
Johnson highlighted her company’s pleasure at being associated with the GFF in this competition.
“Demerara Distillers Limited and Pepsi were pleased to be associated with the GFF in the running off of the second annual Under-17 Inter-Association football tournament. We are committed to sports and the development of our young athletes and will continue to support any activity that provides a healthy outlet for the energies of our youths,” Johnson stated.
Klass thanked the sponsors for their support, emphasizing the fact that without sponsors there could be no competition.
“I am more than delighted as usual, especially when you are in the company of sponsors. Competitions cannot be held if there are no sponsors and to this effect, I must say a heartfelt thank you to DDL. Without Pepsi and other sponsors, the sport of football cannot grow.
“This year we have been able to enhance the kind of relationship to support the growth and development of football in Guyana and this could not have been possible without companies such as DDL.”
UDFA’s Jason Cabena and Alvin Adams were adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and finals respectively, while Ronsy Caleb of the Berbice Football Association was adjudged the Most Outstanding Goalkeeper. West Demerara won the Fair Play Team trophy while Bartica occupied the third position behind the winners and defending champions Upper Demerara and runners-up Georgetown. The 2008 tournament is expected to be launched shortly.
