The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Kashif and Shanghai Organization, officially launched their Futsal championships yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
Some 32 teams have signaled their willingness to compete in the tournament. Sixteen teams from Georgetown have confirmed their interest, with four teams apiece from East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara and Linden.
However it was not disclosed whether the event will feature clubs or street/community teams or a combination of both.
The playing dates are December 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th, January 4th and 8th. The prize money for the event was not disclosed.
Frank ‘English’ Parris, member of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, said that the entity will engage the teams shortly and that a final decision will be taken on the final composition of the event.
He noted that due to logistical constraints and a lack of accommodation, teams from the areas of Bartica, Essequibo and Rupununi will not feature in this edition.
“I think the president (of the GFF) is working on that for the next tournament, so we might be seeing teams from those areas in the next tournament,” Parris revealed.
“We would be bringing the excitement once more to the Sports Hall, which would be rocking once again,” Parris added.
Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde reminded the gathering that all participants and fans must be vaccinated to feature in the tournament and gain access to the respective venues.
He explained, “Everyone who wants to take part in our year-end festival of football, including players, match officials, staff, coaches, fans and vendors, must be able to show proof of vaccination to access these competitions.”
“As such, we kindly urge our entire community to get vaccinated, both to protect our loved ones and to help us safely deliver a memorable return to play for senior men’s and women’s football during this end of the year celebration”, he further said.
