The sixth edition of the ExxonMobil U-14 schools’ football tournament is set to commence on Saturday, June 14, promising a month of youth football culminating in the finals on July 12 at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.
The competition, a key event for youth development for local football, was officially launched Thursday at Cara Lodge.
Petra Organisation, the coordinating body, outlined the scale of the tournament, noting that the main competition will feature 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams, who will initially compete in a group stage format before progressing to the knockout rounds.
This year will not see participation from Regions Eight and Nine.
Co-Director of Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, revealed the significant interest in this year’s edition, with 56 boys’ schools and 39 girls’ schools registering.
This high level of interest will necessitate preliminary matches to reduce the numbers for the main draw.
Mendonca affirmed Petra’s dedication to the tournament’s success, emphasising its role in providing a crucial platform for young talent to shine.
Oil company ExxonMobil continues its role as the title sponsor, contributing G$20.9 million to the youth tournament.
ExxonMobil’s Commercial Advisor, Okeme Beaton, spoke of the company’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through sports, noting the “growth in talent, sportsmanship and vigour” observed over their six years of sponsorship.
The Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, pledged the support of the National Sports Commission and the Sport Ministry to elevate the tournament to a truly national level. He also welcomed the introduction of a ‘most promising player’ prize.
Ninvalle acknowledged the current involvement of eight of Guyana’s ten administrative regions and encouraged organisers and ExxonMobil to strive for participation from Regions Nine and Eight in the future.
He stated that the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport are ready to provide any necessary assistance to achieve this.
The tournament will offer a range of prizes for both individuals and teams.
Individual awards, valued at G$60,000 each, include school supplies, a trophy, and either football boots or goalkeeper gloves.
The top four teams in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will also receive significant financial prizes for school projects, with the winners set to receive G$400,000, the runners-up G$200,000, third place G$100,000, and fourth place G$75,000.
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