The fourth annual Petra Organisation/Courts Pee-Wee Under-11 primary schools football tournament was officially launched yesterday at the Courts Main Street Head Office.
The event which begins on October 4 at the Thirst Park ground, will feature 24 schools competing in a round-robin format. On conclusion of the group stage, the top two teams from each group as well as the best four third positioned teams will advance to the round of 16 knock-out stage.
Following the conclusion of the round of 16 stage, the losing eight schools will compete for positions nine through 16 until the conclusion of the event. The competing schools are defending champions St Puis, Marian Academy, Green Acres, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Sidwell’s, Tucville, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Ketley, St Gabriel’s, FE Pollard, Enterprise,
Comenius, Success Academy, Redeemer, East Ruimveldt, St Angela’s, Winfer Garden, St Stephens, Chase Academy, JE Burnham, St Thomas and St Ambrose.
Winners of the tourney will receive the championship trophy, medals, a set of team uniforms and certificates while the runners-up will collect the second place trophy, medals, six footballs and certificates.
The third placed side will receive the respective trophy, four balls and certificates while fourth placed will be presented with a trophy and certificates. The most discipline team will also be presented with a trophy.
On the individual side, the most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will each receive a trophy and football cleats.
Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca noted that the tournament contributes to the physical aspect of the children as well as the development of youth football.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Courts for partnering with us and for their continued contribution, vision and commitment towards giving back to the public,” he said. He also thanked to the Ministry of Education for its support, as well as Banks Malta which will provide the facility and snacks during the game.
Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings during brief comments noted that this is our fourth year and that Courts will continue to support the tournament.
“Some of these youngsters might be the next batch of Golden Jaguars,” he predicted. “We urge everyone to come out, support their team, enjoy the tournament because we are all winners and to keep it fair.
“Congrats to St Puis Primary for winning last year’s tournament and we challenge all the other schools to make sure they don’t repeat. I also challenge St Puis to try repeat.”
Assistant Chief Education Officer Marcel Hudson said the Ministry of Education was happy to be a part of such a tournament. He commended Courts and the other sponsors.
“To participate in sports and go a long way, you have to be disciplined,” he told the students. “We have seen many individuals who didn’t last long because of indiscipline, you have talent, you just have to apply yourself and be disciplined.
“Sports have become like fashion but the ones who do well are the ones who are disciplined.”
He said the ministry is very supportive of such events and “would like other companies to come out and support our young children in sport.”
