Bartica Primary Schools’ League to boost development in region

The Bartica Inter-Primary Schools Boys Football League has kicked off, providing youths from 11 schools with the opportunity to capitalise on sports development.
The league, organised by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Bartica Football Association (BFA), officially commenced on Wednesday, August 11, at the Bartica Community Centre Ground and aims to promote a love for football while encouraging youth development in the region.
The 11 schools competing within the league hail from the Bartica and Lower Mazaruni areas.
Sports Organiser with the Department of Education, Mark Ambrose, highlighted that the league’s primary goal was to engage students in regular football matches, helping to nurture their skills.

“We aim to instil a passion for football at the primary school level and encourage consistent gameplay to aid in the future development of young players,” said Ambrose. He further noted that this initiative would extend opportunities beyond the players, benefiting aspiring coaches, referees, managers, and administrators from local schools and the wider community.
The league will see each school competing against the others twice over several months, providing ample game time for all participants. Games will be held on Wednesdays at the Bartica Community Centre Ground initially, with the potential for expansion into other communities to drive greater local involvement. This initiative coincides with the observance of Education Month, underlining the role of sports in educational development.
BFA President Alden Marslowe underscored the importance of this partnership with the Department of Education.
“It is an exciting time for those of us who love football to realise that those who are tasked with the delivery of education are also interested in the development of the game,” he stated.
Marslowe added that the extended duration of the league would significantly enhance player development. “By the time we complete the league, each team would have played a minimum of 20 matches, which aligns perfectly with the Association’s vision for development.”
He also encouraged schools to identify potential coaches and managers who could benefit from an upcoming capacity-building programme facilitated by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the BFA.
Commending the introduction of the league, GFF President Wayne Forde said: “I am proud of the work and effort being made by President Marslowe and his executive committee to grow football across the community of Bartica. They have been resourceful while building partnerships with key stakeholders as they implement various initiatives.”
“This is an example I am sure other Regional Associations would be inclined to follow,” he added.
So far, St John-the-Baptist and Batavia Primary Schools have emerged as early leaders, with two wins each following the first day of play. Participating schools include St John-the- Baptist, St Anthony’s, Potaro, Two Miles, Agatash, Karrau Creek, Batavia, Iteballi, Kartabo, Falmouth, and Holy Name.
The Bartica Primary Schools Football League is expected to be a significant platform for the development of young football talent, as well as the wider football community in the region.