History was created yesterday as conglomerate ANSA McAl officially partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalization Committee to stage the inaugural Elite League as the titular sponsor.
The inaugural event which is expected to commence on September 18th and will consist of eighth teams, will be dubbed the Stag Beer Elite League. The event is expected to last eight months. A formal launch is expected on August 31st.
The competing clubs are Alpha United, Bakewell Slingerz, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Pele FC, Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Monedderlust FC, Buxton United and Fruta Conquerors.
Speaking in the boardroom of the corporate body, Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling said it’s an historic partnership between the two entities, declaring that the gesture by the company makes them the largest sponsor and supporter of the GFF, second only to FIFA.
According to Urling, the company’s support in the federation is not in inches but miles, noting that the Elite League is an example of the GFF striving for excellence and that the partnership between the two bodies achieves and proves that.
He noted that the league will take a professional approach with the best teams being represented that fit the preliminary requirements of the CONCACAF Club Licensing Regulation, declaring that players will be paid for their participation and that the best officials will be utilized in the event.
Urling further posited that while the respective playing venues are not perfect, they are in playable condition and that the GFF will be working on improving their respective infrastructure as the event is built on.
He further noted that the priority of the GFF is to create a sustainable league and build an identifiable brand, noting that emphasis must be placed on building players through a long- term developmental approach while moving away from one-off tournaments.
Asked who will be tasked with running the league, Urling said that a management staffer under the supervision of the federation will be utilized. He noted that a tendering process occurred weeks prior and that decision will be made known shortly on the successful applicant.
Marketing Director of ANSA McAl Troy Cadogan during a brief address said that the company is proud to be associated with the inaugural league, declaring that it presents a great opportunity for the company to promote its brand throughout the country.
According to Cadogan, while the promotion of the company’s image is important, the institution is also focused on partnering with youths in Guyana. He noted that not enough structured football is being played locally and that the company sees it as a way of resuscitating the sport.
Cadogan further said that the company’s involvement in the sport is nothing new, declaring that the entity wants to be seen as the sole owner of legitimate football in the country while giving support for the grass root level.
“This is the road to Qatar, It’s a partnership that we hope to last to 2022 and beyond. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the GFF and we look forward to a well-attended league” he added.
