Getting an early start and building on the momentum of the recently-concluded Kashif and Shanghai football tournament seems to be the prime motivation behind the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) launching its 2008 as early as Sunday.

The UDFA’s programme for the year will get cracking with the launch of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/Banks DIH first division league which will take place at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground from 2:30pm.

According to President of the UDFA, former national footballer Bryan Joseph, a total of $500,000 will serve as incentive for the eight teams scheduled to battle for the $300,000 first prize.

The league will be played in a two-round format in what the UDFA president envisions as exciting football.

“This competition will see eight teams vying for the coveted first prize of $300,000. We at the UDFA intend to make this competition an exciting one,” Joseph declared.

Joseph, who represented Guyana from `93 to `96, also has intentions of bringing the UDFA level of football on par with the Caribbean.

“I will be directing all my energies towards the revamping of football in the Upper Demerara area. To this effect, we have decided to take the game to the schools and the community. All first division teams will be assigned schools and communities within the Upper Demerara area to work with,” Joseph said.

“We are also looking to bring back the game to the fans and will be doing such with the reintroduction of female football. At the end of the day, football must be played by both male and female footballers in the UDFA area at all levels,” Joseph added.

The launching ceremony will feature the march past of teams including Topp XX, Milerock, Eagles, Blue Berry Hill United, Netrockers, Silver Shattas, Amelia’s Ward United and Winners Connection.

The ceremony should also feature addresses by representatives of the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sport and Banks DIH who have teamed up to co-sponsor the event and will be preceded by two games featuring Under-13 and Under-17 teams from the UDFA.