The eagerly anticipated Fifth Annual Courts Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Primary Schools Football Championship was officially launched yesterday at the National Library on Church and Main Streets.
The event which is slated to run from October 8th to November 19th, at the Thirst Park ground, will feature 24 schools competing in a round-robin format in the first round. On conclusion of this stage, the top two teams from the six groups, as well as the best four third placed teams will advance to the round of 16 knock-out stage. Following this round, the losing eight schools will compete for positions ninth through sixteenth until the conclusion of the event.
The competing schools are defending champion St. Angela’s, Stella Maris (2014 victor), St Puis (2013 winner), Marian Academy (2012 champ), Enterprise, Tucville, New Guyana School, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Agnes, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Smith Memorial, St Gabriel’s, FE Pollard, Comenius, Success Academy, Mae’s, St. Ambrose, Winfer Garden, St Stephens, Rama Krishna, JE Burnham and School of the Nations.
Winners of the tourney will receive the championship trophy, medals, one 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 disciplined 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 a pair of football cleats.
Courts’ Managing Director Clyde de Haas during the feature address said the company’s focus is to develop the sport and the budding talents at the grassroots level where proper technique and discipline can be instilled, adding that they are proud to play their role, albeit however small, in the building of the sport in Guyana, as the future is at this age group.
According to de Haas, the Petra Organization was must be applauded for their effort, declaring the funding from the company would mean nothing without the hard-work of the coordinators.
He also thanked Banks DIH Limited for being a valuable partner, as well as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for implementing the strategies that can be beneficial for building on the age group, and more importantly, the schools for their participation and unwavering support.
On the other hand, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca thanked Courts Guyana for their continued support of the developmental program, declaring the event has had an immense impact on the lives of many of the participants.
According to Mendonca, the tourney has been a success as several players have progressed to the youth national setups, indicating that Banks DIH Limited and the other stakeholders inclusive of the GFF and the Ministry of Education must also be commended for their contribution. He further revealed the focus of the championship will be on creating role models for the players to pattern, noting that winning is not the most important aspect, and that participation should be valued in equal measure.
Meanwhile Wayne Forde, GFF President expressed gratitude to the title sponsors for their consistent investment in the sport, declaring “the consistency shown at this level is exemplary”.
Forde added Banks DIH has always been a partner of the sport for many years, especially in the troubled times, while declaring this age group is the most critical for the development of the sport. He also thanked the coordinators for their outstanding work in the progression of the discipline, revealing that the federation will always support such initiatives.
Malta Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie said Banks DIH Limited is pleased once again to be in partnership with Courts for the event, adding the company has seen the tournament and competitiveness evolve with every edition. He added that the company is committed to the growth of the event by incorporating the two sponsorship brands of Malta and Tropical Mist Water to this year’s event, which he hopes will be the biggest to date.
