Courts Pee Wee football returns with greater focus on talent scouting

The eight annual Courts Pee Wee Under-11 School Football Tournament was launched on Thursday afternoon and according to the organisers, their aim will be to harness the talents of promising players.

The future of Guyana’s football will be on display for eight weeks with the best football-oriented primary schools in Georgetown and other areas in Demerara competing for the coveted Courts Pee Wee football title.

The annual tournament, organised by the Petra Organisation and sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation, was launched at Courts’ Main Street branch, Georgetown.

Coordinators from the Petra Organisation and representatives of the sponsors reflected on the usefulness of the tournament and the impact it has made on the country’s football.

“We would have seen the country involved in a whole host of tournaments and we see a lot of players from Under-15 to senior would have come through the ranks of Courts Pee Wee…and it shows this investment does not stop here,” Troy Mendonca of Petra Organisation said.

Courts Brand Manager Roberta Ferguson shared similar sentiments, noting they are making an investment in the future of the country. She added they have seen great success from the tournament and they are satisfied with the progress.

Troy Peters, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, explained that the beverage company is once again onboard with the tournament, demonstrating its support through its renowned Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters.

Bryan Joseph, the Guyana Football Federation’s Youth Development Officer, noted the tournament has already paid dividends with several players on recent national youth teams having come through the ranks.

Joseph also stated they will be encouraging teachers from respective teams to sign up for the Concacaf D License Course in January 2020.

The tournament kicks off on September 21 and will cater for 25 teams, who will be placed in six groups. The top two and four best second place finishers will 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 2.