ANSA McAl via their Stag Beer brand yesterday joined with the East Bank, East Coast and Berbice football associations to launch their inaugural Stag Beer Super 16 football knockout tournament which is set to start on Sunday with a double header and a $1.5M winning prize.
Company executives along with President of the Football Normalization Committee Clinton Urling, Normalization Committee member Stuart May and representatives of the three participating association: Frankie Wilson (East Bank), Keith O’Jeer (Berbice) and Aubrey Hudson (East Coast) gathered yesterday at the ANSA McAl head office to outline plans for the competition.
In his remarks, Urling said he was pleased that football is being played in most if not all areas countrywide. He also said the decision to launch the tournament was well received by the Guyana Football Federation as well as the committee. Urling lauded the sponsors who have pledged their full support to the current and future tournaments.
In addition, he revealed that his association has already endorsed the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament for Easter of 2015. Urling also hinted at the possible rebirth of the Golden Jaguars National Team for which plans are in train to ready for a possible 2018 World Cup. More details on this initiative will be forthcoming next month.
The 16 teams involved in the tournament comprise six from the East Coast and five each from the East Bank and Berbice respectively. Each team will also be allowed 25 members, including 22 players and a maximum of four guest players per team will be permissible.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Stag Beer brand Manager John Maikoo said the beverage brand is honoured to be a part of the tournament as it aims to breathe new air into the “neglected areas” while pointing out that the East Bank has been in partnership with the company for some 16 years. He hoped that this venture will set the tone for future competitions.
Marketing Director Troy Cadogan echoed these views adding that the venture was “monumental” for the sport, the associations and ANSA McAl. He also confirmed that ANSA McAl will be assisting each of the 16 teams with a $50,000 appearance fee which will go towards getting the teams further prepared for the tournament.
O’Jeer who represents the ancient county, was delighted that football is on the move and expressed hope that the venture would lead to more encounters and tournaments in the days ahead. Hudson and Wilson reiterated these hopes and expressed pleasure that their factions are participating in the competition.
In a bid to make the tournament’s first gallop a success, the sponsors have thrown their financial weight behind this movement by setting a first prize of $1.5M; second place prize of $500,000; third place prize of $300,000 and fourth place prize of $100,000. Special prizes have also been set for the MVP, Best Goal-Keeper and other outstanding performances.
May thanked all the entities involved in the venture, stating that grassroots, coaching and football in general can only develop if the sport is being played. He further congratulated the respective associations for the deep interest in the sport.
Sunday’s tournament will be held at the Number 5 Ground in Berbice.
