Republic Bank Guyana has proudly partnered with Petra Organisation to launch the fifth edition of the Under-18 School Football League, a significant initiative aimed at fostering youth development through sports across the country.
The league’s launch event took place on Thursday at the National Library, where both the organisers and sponsors articulated their shared vision of using sports as a transformative tool for the nation’s youth.
Oral Chase, the Manager of Internal Audit at Republic Bank Guyana, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives beyond financial sponsorship.
He emphasised that this partnership represents a holistic approach to nurturing young talents and molding a better society.
By investing in youth sports, the bank aims to create opportunities for personal growth and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the positive development of Guyana’s future leaders.
Overall, the collaboration between Republic Bank Guyana and Petra Organisation in launching the Under-18 School Football League reflects a broader commitment to empowering youth.
By promoting sports as a vehicle for personal and communal growth, this initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes, encouraging them to dream big and work diligently toward their goals both on and off the field.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense value that league competitions bring to young athletes.
“These competitions offer players the invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for the game,” he said.
Mendonca stressed that the league not only helps in honing athletic skills but also instills important life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts Unit at the Ministry of Education, further added to the discussion by underscoring the critical role that tournaments play in motivating children.
He stated that competitions inspire young players to strive for excellence, with their eyes set on the ultimate prize.
Fraser emphasized that Petra’s well-structured calendar of activities is pivotal in providing consistent opportunities for engagement and participation in sports.
The league features a competitive lineup of participating teams, which include Chase Academic Foundation, Bartica Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Waramuri Top Secondary, President’s College, and Dolphin Secondary.
These teams were selected based on their performance in the Milo Schools Football round-robin knock-out tournament held earlier in the year, showcasing the best young talent in the region.
Set to run for an exciting seven weeks, the league will officially commence on Sunday, October 27.
The opening match will see East Ruimveldt Secondary face off against Bartica Secondary, kicking off at noon.
The stakes are high, as the top two teams from this league will earn the opportunity to compete in a year-end international school football tournament.
This prestigious event will include teams from neighboring Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, further enhancing the competitive spirit and visibility of Guyanese youth football on an international stage.
In terms of rewards, the league has established a commendable prize structure designed to benefit schools directly.
The first-place team will receive $300,000, while the second-place team will earn $150,000.
Additionally, third and fourth places will be awarded $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.
These funds are not just prizes; they are investments in school projects that aim to foster further development in educational and sporting facilities.
Alongside these monetary awards, participating teams will also compete for medals and trophies, with individual awards recognizing outstanding performances throughout the league.
