The 11th installment of the Courts Optical Under-11 Pee- Wee Football Tournament got underway on Saturday morning with hundreds of prospective ballers gathering to showcase their skills on the football field.
The teams were outfitted in their respective eye-catching colours for the customary march past exercise, which was later won by F.E. Pollard Primary; and during the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marti DeSouza highlighted the widespread reach of the tournament as he shared encouraging words with the players.
“…and I’m looking at all the faces and I recognize that we have schools from all across not the entirety of Guyana, but I’m seeing some city schools, country schools, and hinterland, and I know once again in 2024 we are about to have a very intriguing competition,” he said.
F. E. Pollard Primary won the march past
“Echoing the words of the speakers before, this is an opportunity for us, for you young boys, to come together to showcase your skills, to form friendships that will last a very long time. You are the future of football in Guyana,” DeSouza shared.
Also sharing encouraging words with the young ballers was Courts Optical Brand Manager Ricardo Semple, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the tournament when he said, “A little earlier during the week, (as) I was passing, I saw one of the teams (in) training and I was like, ‘Wow! they’re taking it real serious this year.’ But to the young players, I just want to remind you guys (that) this tournament is about teamwork.
Pee-Wee march past in action with uniformed teams
Every opportunity and every game that you play, you get a chance to improve on your skills, (and) Courts Optical is happy to be the lead sponsor of this tournament,” Semple affirmed.
In the on-field action that was kicked off, Potaro Primary secured the first win of the tournament by defeating Redeemer Primary 2-0, with goals coming from Kendrick LaRose and Colton Telemaque.
Then goals coming off the boots of Christian LaRose and Alexander Vasconcellos led Marian Academy to a 2-1 victory over Georgetown International Academy.
