Two-time defending champions Chase Academic Foundation will be seeking to create more history in the 5th annual Petra Organised Milo Schools under-18 Football Tournament by winning their third successive title when the tournament gets underway today at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Principal of the institution, Henry Chase in an interview with Guyana Times Sport explained that the school started preparation about two weeks ago but were hampered by the rain and the exodus of successful coach and National player
Flash Back! Henry Chase, owner of Chase Academy, collects the championship trophy from Milo Brand Manager Renita Seethal following his team’s comprehensive win over Lodge Secondary in the final of the 4th Milo Secondary School U20 football championships at the Ministry of Education Ground
Vurlon Mills.
“We started preparation like two weeks ago, the rain played a big role in hampering our preparation; we have lost our coached Vurlon Mills, who is in Trinidad playing professional football, however we have been fortunate to have a replacement in Gordon Henry who has a similar attitude and passion to Mills,” Chase stated.
He added, “We are hoping to defend our title and take it three years in a row, we have some new players, it is under-18, so some key players are not on the team.”
Quizzed if the change from the under-20 age limit to under-18 will impact their performance, the administrator responded confidently since the core of the team which won the 2016 Digicel Schools Football Championship is still intact.
He said “The cream of the Digicel team is still there, we still have Jeremey [Garrett], Job Caesar, Ryan Hackett and Kelsey Benjamin, the good thing about our school is when we have players leaving, we seem to attract similar quality players.”
The institution which has created a dynasty in school football over the last four years has achieved that feat due to their passion for sports.
“I think, it is a God blessed thing and there is a passion and in any organisation which wants to develop and be competitive, leadership is the key along with vision;” we are about to introduce a gym at the school, so it about vision, passion the Principal disclosed.
Chase is adamant that though the school has rocked to the headlines for their sublime performances in sport, they are students who have managed to reap success both on and off the field.
He explained, “My son [Orande Chase] played for the school’s cricket team and won a championship, he also got a Grade 1 in English; Jeremey has nine CSEC Subjects; we have seen good academic results also but have been marketing ourselves well.”
The educator is urging parents to the change from the perception that their children cannot be successful at both sports and academics, as it is possible once they are disciplined and focus.
Meanwhile, the competition will commence today with four matches, from 11:00h with The Bishops’ High School (BHS) opening against St. Winefred Secondary followed by St. Roses High and Houston Secondary from 12:30h.
Afterwards, North Ruimveldt Secondary opposes St. Joseph High from 14:00h then the defending champions will take the field against Freeburg Secondary.
The placement of teams into group sees Group A comprising of: BHS, St Roses High, St. Winefred Secondary and Huston Secondary; Group B: North Ruimveldt Secondary, Chase Academy, St. Joseph High and Freeburg Secondary; Group C: Lodge Secondary, St. Marry’s High, East Ruimveldt Secondary and Group D: Tucville Secondary, Morgan’s Learning Centre, St. John’s Secondary and Charlestown Secondary.
Group E contains Richard Ishmael Secondary, Christ Church Secondary, Brickdam Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary; Group F: South Ruimveldt Secondary, Sir Leon’s Lesson, Queenstown Secondary and Carmel Secondary; Group G: North Georgetown, Central High, School of the Nations and Dolphin Secondary and Group H: Mae’s Secondary, St. George’s Secondary, Tutorial High and Queen’s College.
Much is at stakes for the top teams with trophies and cash payouts of $500,000 for the winner, $300,000 for first runner up and $200,000 and $100,000 for third and fourth placed teams respectively which will go towards various school projects.
