The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) yesterday launched the Power Aid Under-13 football tournament, which according to GFA President Calvin Burnette will feature teams affiliated to the GFA.
Matches will be played at the group level followed by the knockout stage. However, the first two teams will advance to the knockout stage then into then into the finals.
Kwabina Griffith, Vice President with responsibilities for Technical and Tactical Development, said they are hoping to get at least fifteen clubs. “I don’t know what the response would be like because not all the clubs have active under-13 nurseries,” Griffith said.
The tournament starts on Saturday and will see two matches being played per day at Thirst Park. According to Griffith, matches will only be played on Saturdays.
Griffith said letters have been sent to teams, which have until Wednesday to indicate an interest. Each match will last for a period of 30 minutes with a ten-minute break.
He also said that it is from this tournament that players will be selected for the football academy. He said players will not only be selected on talent, but on academics and discipline.
The academy should be started six weeks after the completion of the tournament. The beverage company has indicated an interest in sponsoring the academy.
Banks DIH, according to Griffith, has invested approximately $1 million in the tournament. He said no cash incentives will be awarded to teams or players. However, the winner of the tournament will cart off $100,000 worth of gear, followed by $75,000, $50,000 and $25,000 worth in gear for the second to fourth place finishers.
Prizes will also be awarded to the most valuable player and the player who scored the most goals.
Brand Manager Jennifer Khan said that the company was pleased to be partnering with the GFA in this venture. She also said that the company expected clean play from all the teams. She reminded players of the importance of balancing football with academics and that school should be the priority.
