Pele Football Club Alumni, based in the United States of America, will continue its efforts of empowering young people in Guyana to overcome poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem, and ambition, through sports and education.
Halted by COVID-19, the Alumni Chairman, Denis Carrington, Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, and Executive Committee Member, Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith made a visit to Guyana last year to put the groundwork back in place for this year’s activity which will commence with a series of Youth Matches, under the theme, ‘Celebrating Youth Education.
Coordinated by the local chapter, Pele Football Club led by Dirk Exeter and Coach Gordon Brathwaite along with the Alumni’s Local Coordinator David Gomes, many footballers, and over 130 youths will again benefit from the Alumni’s largesse.
Also forming part of Thursday’s action at the GFC Ground would be a tribute to the late King Pele, after whom the club was named over 50 years ago.
Kicking off Thursday’s action at 15:00hrs would be a match between the respective Under-18 teams of the host club and Buxton Stars.
This would be followed by a Female clash between the Guyana Defence Force and St. Cuthbert’s Mission.
The Masters will then take center stage with a clash between old rivals, Pele and Santos as the seasoned gladiators, attempt to roll back the years. This would be followed by the tribute to King Pele after which the main attraction of the night will see Pele’s senior team taking on Black Pearl. All matches would be played for 60 minutes.
The much-anticipated Youth Seminar which sees youths being exposed to empowering sessions on life skills and other pertinent topics would be held next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary.
The attendees which would number well over one hundred would also be beneficiaries of field trips to at least two places of interest, all funded by the Pele FC Alumni.
The participants would also be receiving a number of school supplies as has been the custom over the years of the Educational Programme.
A social event is set to take place on Friday, April 14th that would involve dozens of past and current players, many of whom are based in the Diaspora and are expected home for the programme.