Following the successful staging of the inaugural tournament, the 2nd edition of the Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls U-11 Football Championship was officially launched Monday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.
The event which is expected to commence on Saturday, will feature 16 schools competing in an initial round-robin format. Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each group will advance to the knockout round.
Defending champ Stella Maris will lead the competing schools which are St. Margaret’s, West Ruimveldt, Tucville Primary,
North Georgetown, South Ruimveldt, St. Pius, St. Agnes, F.E. Pollard, Enterprise, Smiths Memorial, St. Angela’s, School of the Nations, J.E. Burnham, St. Stephen’s and Winfer Gardens.
Winner of the event will receive championship trophy and medals while the second placed unit will walk away with the corresponding trophy and medals. The third and fourth placed unit will collect the respective trophy.
Individual prizes inclusive of the tourney most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goal-keeper will be up for grabs. Tournament Coordinator and Petra Organization Co-Director Troy Mendonca said that entity is pleased once again to be associated with the event through another conglomerate, declaring there is need for attention at this level to foster growth in the female game.
According to Mendonca, if opportunities are not created for young girls to participate in the sport, the pool of participants in the female aspect will dwindle and as such, the organization decided to stage the event.
He further encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity while wishing all the competing teams the best of the luck.
Ministry of Public Health Representative Melissa DeHart said that the ministry is proud to be onboard of the tournament, noting that their aim is the well-being of all everyone especially the youth.
She noted that several studies have indicated the importance of exercise and nutrition to the development of the nation’s youth, noting that the ministry will continue to be a part and contribute towards the continuing of the venture.
Angela Hinds, Smalta Brand Manager during a brief address said that she is excited to be involved in the tournament, stating that physical activity is vital for the development of youths.
Hinds further noted that she is happy for the opportunity being presented to the girls and wished all the teams the best of the luck in the tourney.
Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Director of
Marketing and Communications said that while more emphasis is currently being placed on the female game locally and internationally, there has been an increased focus on the development of youth football throughout the football fraternity. He noted that the federation is happy to sanction the event and that the tourney will give women’s football a much needed avenue for increased exposure.Toney further said that federation is always willing to assist and lend support to i
individuals who require knowledge about the discipline while thanking the sponsors for supporting the venture.
Ministry of Education Representative Nicholas Fraser said that is important for the females to have the same opportunities as their male counterparts, noting that the event should be expanded involve different areas and schools.
He further thanked the Petra Organization and respective sponsors for organizing the event while wishing for a successful and competitive event.
