The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in partnership with KFC Guyana Incorporated, officially launched the KFC National U20 Intra-Association Championship yesterday at the latter’s Vlissengen Road office.
The event will commence with the association level championship, which is slated to run from April 27th – May 20th, with the national tournament pegged for May 31st – June 9th.
Winner of the overall tournament will pocket $500,000 and a trophy, with the second and third place finishers receiving $300,000 and $200,000 each and the corresponding accolade. The fourth-place finisher will receive a trophy.
GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, in brief remarks, said that the tournament forms part of the federation’s mandate to provide structured football at every level. He added that the event will be utilised to scout players for the impending CONCACAF U23 Championship.
President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, thanked KFC for their support and partnership in making the tournament a reality, adding that the tournament forms part of the GFF’s mandate which is youth development.
He further added that human development forms a major part of the federation’s objective in the development of the discipline, noting that the partnership highlights the commitment of corporate Guyana in the evolution and promotion of the sport.
Meanwhile, Charissa Rampersaud, KFC Training Manager, said, “KFC is proud to be teaming with the GFF to host the first U20 Football Tournament – the KFC Independence Cup. When the GFF team explained the uniqueness of the U20 section as well as how they are sometimes not given the exposure and recognition they deserve, we knew we had to come onboard and support these talented young people.”
According to Rampersaud, “I am certain that many of them dream of becoming world-class footballers and look up to some of the greats like Pele, Maradona, Messi, Beckham and Zidane. This tournament will see the involvement of the GFF’s nine member associations, a total of 102 clubs. Just think of all the young lives being touched.”
She further said, “The KFC family is very passionate (about) supporting initiatives aimed at developing our young people and helping them become rounded, productive members of society. With so many negative distractions out there, it’s great to have football as a positive activity for our young people to engage in. We look forward to an exciting tournament and I hope you all come out and support the teams.”
