Courts Pee Wee tournament kicks off in fine style

Continuing their legacy of producing fine youth footballers, the Courts/Petra Pee Wee Tournament kicked off the 2018 edition early on Saturday morning.
In this its seventh year, the tournament has seen participation from 32 schools, a considerably higher number than in previous years.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, noted that the students have been presented with an opportunity to perfect their craft from a young age, and as such should capitalise on it.
“I think this is an opportunity presented to you, the youngsters, as a springboard towards a life that many of us didn’t have an opportunity to have. I just want to encourage you to utilise this opportunity, enjoy the moment, and may the best team win,” Mendonca stated.
Courts’ Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings, as representative of the primary sponsor, expressed similar sentiments as Mendonca’s, noting a few areas that the sport helps to develop.
“Football is a beautiful game. It’s the world’s game, and you have an opportunity here to start your career in football. It may take you to the high school level, it may take you to the national level, it make take you to the global scale. But most of all, it builds camaraderie among your peers; it builds leaders,” he stated.
Cummings expressed that the company is happy to be a part of the competition for the seventh year running, and positively highlighted the inclusion of more ‘out of town’ teams.
“Courts is happy to support this, and we will continue to support (this tournament) in the future. This year I’ve seen much more teams from out of town, and I’m happy for this, and I know you will represent well in this tournament,” he declared.
The Under-11 action will continue for the next seven weeks, with West Ruimveldt Primary looking to defend their championship. For the next two weeks, the teams will be involved in round robin matches, competing with the other schools in their group. The tournament will be played at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.