The 3rd edition of the Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Secondary Schools Football League was officially launched yesterday at the entity’s Green Office, Providence Terminal, East Bank Demerara.
The tournament which is slated to be hosted from September 18 to November 6, will feature eight schools. All fixtures will be hosted at the Ministry of Education ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
The competing teams are: Dolphin, North Georgetown, President’s College, West Ruimveldt, Golden Grove, Christianburg/Wismar, Cummings Lodge, and Friendship.
The winner of the tournament will receive $500,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy. The second, third, and fourth place finishers will pocket $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 respectively towards the school initiative. On the individual side, awards will also be presented for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper. The top two finishers in the event will qualify for the Goodwill International Championship.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, noted that emphasis should be placed on the importance of the continued sponsorship, as the two entities after two years, have delivered a programme to the football fraternity that enhances the discipline.
According to Mendonca, the format being utilised is the most critical for the development of players, adding that the companies should be commended for their continued investment in the development of human capital especially at the school level.
And Berkeley McCalman, GUYOIL Bulk Sales Executive, remarked, “The idea of the football tournament was first presented in 2018 by the Petra Organization and became an annual event for us. However due to the world crisis, we were unable to facilitate it in 2020 and 2021. With things returning to normalcy and our commitment to making a positive contribution towards the development of our youths and community, there was no question on whether we would have come onboard for a third time.”
“Football, though it brings communities together, it is also a very competitive sport. So we say to the participating schools, bring your ‘A’ game, stay safe and best of luck.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Richardson, stated that the National Sports Club and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is enthused by the development of sport, adding “this particular tournament is an excellent demonstration of a collaboration across many sectors.”
She further stated that the launch of the event shows continuity and such the sponsors should be praised for their sustained commitment, while reminding that athletes require consistent competitive play to maintain and develop their talents.
Richardson noted that Petra Organization has been consistent in its focus on the development of school football, and asserted that sports in schools is a reality, and avenues such as this competition add to that reality.
GFF Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, who was also present at the launch, declared that the re-emergence of football within the school system is a positive sign, positing that the choice of the format is important because it is vital to player development.
He further praised the corporate partners and the Petra Organization for continuing their initiative, as it contributes significantly to the player development and pool especially at the national level
Also, Head of the Physical Education Department at the Ministry of Education, Kirk Brathwaite, said that the Ministry is always willing to collaborate with entities which are focussed on the development of young people, and that Petra should be praised for continuing to push the envelope in its effort to resuscitate football in the schools.
He also pointed out that the tournament provides the platform for players to develop and possibly transition to national honours, while assuring that the ministry is always willing to lend support where necessary.
