Pele Football Club yesterday launched the third Frank Watson and Gregory ‘PT Stewart’ Thorne memorial Under 15/17 knock-out football tournament which kicks off February 8 with matches at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
The competition will see some of the country’s young footballers showcasing their skills during the February 8-22 tournament.
Matches will be played on weekends among the participating teams Western Tigers, Riddim Squad, Santos, Camptown, Black Water, GFC, Fruta Conquerors, Beacons, Houston Stars, Black Pearl, Renaissance and host Pele.
“It’s important to note that great emphasis will be placed on the academic performance of the players who will participate in this tournament,” Pele’s secretary Mark Archer said at yesterday’s press conference.
“The guiding principles of the Pele FC Alumni Corporation are to empower children in Guyana through sports, to help them to overcome their abject poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem, and ambition through the power of sports,” Archer added.
Watson was Pele FC’s first president at the age of 23 subsequently died during a plane crash on December 23, 1973. He was a co-pilot of the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The former striker’s legacy would live on through one of two sons Clyde ‘Oiler’ Watson, a forward who had a distinguished career representing Guyana.
Thorne, who was popularly referred to as, ‘PT Stewart’, was a starter on Guyana’s Senior National team that played the first World Cup game at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground in 1976.
As a member of Pele FC during the club’s golden era, Thorne proved to be one of the most valuable football commodities in his team and in Guyana.
President of Pele FC John Yates said yesterday that special prizes will be given to players who stood out during 2014.
Meanwhile, the top two finishers are set to receive trophies and medals while prizes for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, best defender and MVP are up for grabs.
Each participating team will be outfitted by the organisers and text books and uniform vouchers will be given to the top two teams.
