Green urges young men to play football

— at launch of 21st Mayor’s Cup competition

The 21st edition of the traditional Mayors Cup Knockout Football tourney was officially launched yesterday at a simple ceremony held at the Office of the Mayor of Georgetown in City Hall. Mayor Hamilton Greene during a brief feature address said the hope of the event is to achieve similar success of the previous editions while encouraging young men to get involved in the sport as it provides an outlet for their energies.

He lamented the fact that young individuals have not been given the necessary opportunities to realise their full potential, hinting the biggest mistake was the decommissioning of the Guyana National Service.

Green further said despite the lack of sponsorship due to the present social and political environment, he welcomed the continuation of the long standing tournament whilst hoping it can be a success once again.

Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Greene (sitting) and tournament coordinator Lennox Arthur (fourth from right) flanked by members of the participating clubs during the official launch of the 21st edition of the Mayor’s Cup Knockout Tourney
Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Greene (sitting) and tournament coordinator Lennox Arthur (fourth from right) flanked by members of the participating clubs during the official launch of the 21st edition of the Mayor’s Cup Knockout Tourney

The event which is slated to commence on Friday at the Victoria Community ground, will feature 24 clubs from several associations competing for over $2,000,000 in cash and prizes.

Defending champs Alpha United lead the participating teams which include Slingerz FC, Den Amstel, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Riddim Squad, Western Tigers, Uitvlugt, Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Pouderoyen, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Sunburst Camptown, Ann’s Grove, Santos, Mahaica Determinators, Monedderlust FC, New Amsterdam United, Rosignol United, Cougars, Golden Grove, Grove Hi-Tech, Victoria Kings and Agricola Red Triangle.

$1,000,000 and the championship trophy will be awarded to the victors while the runners-up will pocket $300,000 and the respective title. The third and fourth positioned teams will walk away with $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

In the opening matchup of the event, Golden Grove will faceoff with Grove Hi-Tech from 19:00hrs while Victoria Kings will faceoff with Agricola Red Triangle in the feature contest at 21:00hrs.