The 2012 Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy opened yesterday with key stakeholders stating that they anticipate greater benefits for the participants in a much larger progamme this year.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony at the Ministry of Education Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Colin Baker, said he was encouraged by the response of the sponsors, schools and other stakeholders.
“Last year was a pilot programme with eight schools participating but this year we are expanding to 12 schools with both male and female students taking part,” said Baker.
“The academy will be divided into three phases, the first was a Coaches Course held last week to be followed by a Referees programme and the third phase will be the tournament phase,” he added.
Students of the 12 competing schools started a Referees Coaching Course yesterday under the guidance of FIFA Referees instructors Lawrence “Sparrow” Griffith and Colin “BL” Aaron at the same venue.
Baker said the tournament phase will kick off on March 3 and indicated that scholarships for participants were on the front burner.
He disclosed that seven female players were selected on the National Under-17 squad which participated in last year’s World Cup qualification competition where Guyana advanced to the second round before being eliminated.
Baker said his committee was looking at ways to reduce the cost so that more schools would be able to compete next year.
Scotia Bank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani-Nelson said her company was extremely pleased at the results of last year’s academy and decided to support the programme again.
“Looking at the results from the first academy, Scotiabank is extremely proud to be a co-sponsor of this excellent initiative, which is being done under the Bright Future Programme,” she added
Cipriani-Nelson said that Scotia Bank Bright Future Programme targets education, sports, health and culture.
“We have had several successes with this academy, one being improved attendance and focus on academics by participating students.”
DDL Marketing Director Sharda Veeren-Chand said her company had no hesitation in sponsoring the academy for a second year.
“It was very easy for us to come on board, Pepsi is very committed to programmes that aid in the development of youth so we are extremely happy to be on board again this year,” she noted.
Desiree Wyles-Ogle, Administrator of Unit of Allied Arts said the Ministry of Education supports the academy since the ministry was concerned about a balanced curriculum for students.
She said since the Ministry reintroduced Physical Education in schools over 400 students have utilized that subject at the CSEC exam with great success.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) General Secretary, Noel Adonis, said the academy will aid in the participants’ holistic social development noting that the GFF will continue to support the programme.
Director of Sport Neil Kumar said his department was also supportive and lauded corporate Guyana for supporting the initiative.
The Guyana Teachers Union, alumni associations and members of the media also came in for high praise from the organizers.
