ExxonMobil U-14 schools football receives backing from Pepsi

The ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 Schools Football championship received a welcome boost on Thursday afternoon when Demerara Distillers Limited, through its global brand Pepsi, hopped onboard for the Petra Organisation-coordinated event.

At a simple presentation ceremony on Thursday, Pepsi Brand Manager, Larry Wills, presented the company’s sponsorship to Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca.

Mendonca noted the support will play a significant role in producing a well-run tournament, which provides the platform to spot the nation’s future stars.

He highlighted the tournament is unique as it brings together boys and girls, thereby fostering fruitful football engagements.

Wills expressed interest in the development of the country’s youth through the sport and noted their support was without question due to the stellar performances by not just the players, but the organising body.

Owing to the inclement weather experienced over the past few weeks, the kick-off of tournament has been pushed back by one week, starting June 15 instead of this weekend.

The Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, will be the battle ground in which 36 teams (24 boys and 12 girls) will vie for the two titles.

Given they are only 12 female teams, that aspect of the tournament will start in the third week.

For the Boys, the top two teams from the six groups along with the best four third placed teams will advance to the Round-of-16; a similar structure will apply for the girls.

The top four teams in each division will win cash prizes, which will go towards school projects of their choice. Chase Academic Foundation and Charlestown Secondary are the respective boys and girls defending champions.

Due to the current inclement weather pattern, the GFF has offered the use of the National Training Centre at Providence for matches to be held.