The third annual Stag Beer-sponsored Slingerz FC West Demerara Independence Cup was officially launched yesterday at the ANSA McAl Boardroom in Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara.
ANSA McAl Public Relations Officer (PRO) Darshanie Yussuf during the feature address said that while the tournament has its roots in the West Demerara region, she is happy that it has evolved to accommodate teams from outside of the area, giving it a national feel in the process.
Yussuf declared that the teams who are a part of the venture are known for their championship quality and as such will elevate the overall brand of the tournament. She further said that the Stag brand is committed to football development, while thanking the teams for their efforts in building the event to its current status.
Stag Brand Representative Shawn Abel said the main objective of the brand is to develop football, noting that many young players would have been able to showcase and develop their talents as a result of events sponsored by the company.
He further said that the brand will continue to sponsor sports and in particular football, while wishing all the teams the best of luck when the tourney officially gets underway.
Colin Aaron, Manager of Slingerz FC said that the unveiling of the inaugural tourney coincided with the launch of the club in January 2013, noting that only teams from the West Demerara region were allowed to partake.
He said that he is happy to be able to invite teams from outside of the region as it will enhance the tournament, declaring however it will always remain a community-grounded initiative.
Slingerz FC captain Tichard Joseph during a brief comment thanked the sponsors for once again committing to the event, noting that the club has always looked forward to the championship and will work hard once more to emerge victorious.
The event which is slated to commence today at the Leonora Sports Facility, will feature eight teams across several associations competing in a knockout format.
In the opening match at 18:00hrs, Fruta Conquerors will oppose Pouderoyen FC while tourney hosts and two-time defending champs Bakewell Slingerz FC will tackle Grove Hi-Tech from 20:00hrs. The other teams programmed to feature in the event are Pele FC, Ann’s Grove, Den Amstel FC and Uitvlugt Warriors.
The winner will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth-placed units will receive $300,000, $150,000 and $100,000 correspondingly and the respective accolade.
Financial incentives will also be given to the bottom four finishers, with the resulting fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth positioned teams walking away with $75,000, $60,000, $50,000 and $40,000 correspondingly.
The event will then continue on Sunday May 31st at the same venue with Pele opposing Uitvlugt Warriors from 18:00hrs and Ann’s Grove battling Den Amstel from 20:00hrs.
Upon the completion of the first round, the semi-final matchups will occur on Friday June 5th at the same locale. Following the end of the final four stage, the grand finale will commence on Sunday June 7th at the same location.
