Courts (Guyana) Inc., in collaboration with Banks DIH under its Malta Supreme brand, on Tuesday launched the seventh annual School Pee Wee (Under-11) football tournament at the National Library.
Coordinators from Petra Organisation and sponsors reflected on the usefulness of the tournament and the impact it has made with Generation X of the country’s football.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of Petra, stated, “Courts would have played its role over the past six years even as we look forward to our national endeavours as a country, almost 90% of the youngsters that might be vying for senior national football right now would have experienced playing this tournament and it goes to show as a company the role they play in society.”
Managing Director of Courts (Guyana) Inc., Clyde de Haas, expressed similar sentiments, noting they are making an investment in the future of the country.
“The focus where we want to spend our money is to give back to the communities and this is the exact place because the grass roots goes to the children, it goes to the future. It is not a business, but you can see it as an investment in our football. We are investing in young people to educate them so they can develop the skills to grow.”
Partnering in the dream is beverage company Banks DIH Limited. Brand Manager for Malta Supreme, Clayton McKenzie, was jubilant as he connoted why they continue to make the annual investment.
“We believe that sports are as equally important as academic development. Over the period of time going to these matches, I have seen phenomenal performances from these children. Many of them are gifted and they play a high level of football.”
The tournament kicks off on September 29 and will cater for 32 teams, who will be placed in eight groups of four where the top two advance to the Round-of-16. From there, no more teams will be eliminated, but rather play for positions one to 16 until the finale on November 10.
Instead of its usual play-field at Thirst Park, matches will be held on the lawn of YMCA, Thomas Lands. Matches will be played on Saturdays from 10:00h.
Participating schools: Mae’s School, Marian Academy, School of the Nations, West Ruimveldt, South Primary, St. Pius Primary, Smith’s Memorial, Winfer Garden, Enterprise Primary, Sophia, St. Margaret’s Primary, St. Agnes Primary, Tucville Primary, St. Ambrose, North Georgetown, F.E. Pollard, J.E. Burnham, St. Stephen, Stella Maris, Colaaco, Victoria, Grove, Mocha Arcadia, Redeemer, St. Gabriel’s, Soesdyke, Timehri, Supply, Golden Grove, Goed Fortuin, Den Amstel and Clonbrook Primary.
