Republic Bank School Football League kicks off October 19

Eight of Guyana’s top secondary schools will compete in the 2025 Republic Bank U-18 Secondary Schools Football League, with the champions earning a coveted automatic place in the KFC International Schools Football Championship.

The league, now in its second year and backed by Republic Bank, was officially launched this week in Georgetown and will kick off on Sunday, 19 October.

Qualification for the tournament was secured based on earlier performances in the Milo Schools’ Football tournament.

The eight participating institutions represent four regions, setting up a clash between regional powerhouses. Chase’s Academic Foundation, the defending league champions, are among the early favourites.

The biggest prize is a slot in the prestigious KFC International Schools Football Championship, which will be hosted in Guyana in December.

The qualification rules, however, feature a key contingency related to Chase’s Academic Foundation, who are also the current KFC International Schools champions:

If Chase’s Academic Foundation wins the Republic Bank league, the international qualification berth will pass to the runner-up.

If any other team lifts the Republic Bank trophy, that team will automatically secure a spot in the December tournament.

The league champions will also secure $300,000  for a school development project.

Substantial financial rewards are also available for second ($200,000), third ($100,000), and fourth ($50,000)- place finishers.

At the launch, officials emphasised the developmental importance of the league format.

Republic Bank Internal Audit Manager Oral Rose affirmed the bank’s investment: “This league is a shining example of our commitment, a space where talent meets opportunity and where teamwork builds character and confidence.”

Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, highlighted the competitive structure. “A football league like this is developmental in nature, where each team has the opportunity to play each other; that fosters growth, teamwork, and resilience,” he said.

The eight participating teams are: Abram Zuil Secondary (Region Two), Bush Lot Secondary (Region Five), President’s College (Region Four), Chase’s Academic Foundation (Region Four), Charlestown Secondary (Region Four), West Ruimveldt Secondary (Region Four), Dolphin Secondary (Region Four) and Three Miles Secondary (Region Seven)