The unveiling of the lien trophy yesterday at the Brandsville Hotel in Prashad Nagar signaled the start of the 8th edition of the Digicel Schools Football Championship today at the Ministry of Education and National Insurance Scheme grounds respectively on Carifesta Avenue.
Digicel’s Chief Commercial Officer Simone Pierre declared that one of the main focus of the company is youth development, positing that the tournament is a testament to his objective, and is happy to partner with the Petra Organization to realize this aim.
Meanwhile, Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of tournament organizers, the Petra Organization, stated that the event must be recognised and is directly responsible for keeping school football relevant, noting that although the event was absent for several years, the entity is happy to be a part of its resumption.
He added that the event is unique as it encompasses every administrative region, and provides the opportunity and avenue for all schools to participate.
Mendonca added that the lien trophy will be acquired by a team that has won three titles following the resumption of the competition.
On the other hand, Lavern Fraser-Thomas, coordinator of the tournament, stated that response from the participating schools has exceeded expectations and that the respective institutions are excited for the event’s resumption.
The tournament which is set to conclude on August 13th, will feature 128 teams competing in an elimination format.
Participation as per usual will emanate from all 10 Regions. Region #1 [9], Region #2 [9], Region #3 [12], Region #4 (is divided into three sections): East Coast Demerara [12], Georgetown [33], and East Bank Demerara [8], Region #5 [8], Region #6 [20], Region #7 [3], Region #8 [2], Region #9 [4], and Region #10 [8].
Unlike previous editions, a round of 32 will be introduced to commence the national championship. As such, Georgetown will be represented by 13 schools whilst Region #3 and #6 will feature two representatives. Two schools each will emanate from East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Region #7 and #10 respectively. On the other hand, Region #1, #5, #8, and #9 will participate in the form of one school each.
Chase Academy are the two-time defending champions [2016 and 2017] while Christianburg/Wismar of Linden is the most decorated school with four titles [2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015] and six finals appearances. The other winner was inaugural champion [2011] Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).
Winner of the competition will receive $1,000,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth place finishers will pocket $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 respectively towards a school initiative and the corresponding trophies.
On the individual side, prizes will also be awarded to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Most Valuable Player. Uniforms will be provided to the quarter-finalists in each section. The event will be played under the motto of a ‘Unite, Develop, Excel’.
Fixtures
Today – MOE Ground
Tucville vs Queenstown – 11:00hrs
East Ruimveldt vs South Ruimveldt –
12:45hrs
Marian Academy vs Ascension – 14:30hrs
Institute of Academic Excellence vs West
Ruimveldt – 16:15hrs
Today – NIS Ground
Bladen Hall vs Plaisance – 11:00hrs
Beterverwagting (BV) vs La Bonne
Intention (LBI) – 12:45hrs
Freeburg vs Richard Ishmael – 14:30hrs
Christ Church vs Queen’s College –
16:15hrs
