Digicel schools football makes triumphant return

Following a six-year hiatus and amid much pageantry, the holy grail of secondary schools football triumphantly returned as the 8th edition of the Digicel Championship was officially launched yesterday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

The tournament, which will now be administered by the nation’s premier schools promotional entity, the Petra Organization, will feature 128 teams and will commence June 26th. It will utilize its traditional elimination format and is penciled down to conclude on August 13th.

Participation as per usual will emanate from all 10 Regions.

Region #1 [9], Region #2 [9], Region #3 [12], Region #4 (is divided into three sections): East Coast Demerara [12], Georgetown [33], and East Bank Demerara [8], Region #5 [8], Region #6 [20], Region #7 [3], Region #8 [2], Region #9 [4], and Region #10 [8].

Unlike previous editions, a round of 32 will be introduced to commence the national championship. As such, Georgetown will be represented by 13 schools whilst Region #3 and #6 will feature two representatives. 

Two schools each will emanate from East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Region #7 and #10 respectively. On the other hand, Region #1, #5, #8, and #9 will participate in the form of one school each.  Chase Academy are the two-time defending champions [2016 and 2017] while Christianburg/Wismar of Linden is the most decorated school with four titles [2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015] and six finals appearances. The other winner was inaugural champion [2011] Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).

Winner of the either division will receive $1,000,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth place finishers will pocket $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 respectively towards a school initiative and the corresponding trophies.

On the individual side, prizes will also be awarded to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Most Valuable Player. Uniforms will be provided to the quarterfinalists in each section. The event will be played under the motto of a ‘Unite, Develop,  Excel’.

Co-Director of the Petra Organization Troy Mendonca stated that it was a pleasure and a privilege to be selected to coordinate this prestigious tournament, noting their selection highlights the confidence of the telecommunications giant in the promotional entity. He thanked the company for reactivating the competition, which will continue to aid in the development of the sports, as it provides an avenue for every school to participate and players to be exposed. Mendonca assured that the organization will put their best foot forward to ensure a successful tournament, noting that he envisions the continued involvement and concretization of the strategic partnerships with various stakeholders inclusive of the Ministry of Education, GFF, and Referees Council. 

Meanwhile, departing Digicel Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean, stated that idea of the event which was conceptualized in 2009 but initiated in 2011, was to create a platform to expose talent, adding that he is happy that the Petra Organization will now undertake the reins of staging the event.

GFF Executive Committee Member Dion Inniss stated that he is elated to witness the return of the event, adding that Digicel has always been a significant stakeholder in the development of football.

He declared that the GFF will continue to support initiatives coordinated by the Petra Organization, who have an unchallenged track record in the development of youth football especially the female aspect.

Guyana Olympic Association President Godfrey Munroe stated that partnerships between corporate Guyana and the relevant sporting associations are critical to the development of sport and augurs well for its long term future.

He revealed that the Olympic committee is enthused by this development as football is part of the charter and that the association is considering the staging an age group event in the not so distant future.