The 7th annual Courts’ Pee-Wee Tournament is expected to kick-off in the coming weeks, giving younger school football enthusiasts opportunity to showcase their skills.
Already a staple part of the physical education programmes at primary institutions of learning in Georgetown, on the East Bank, and on the East and West Coasts of Demerara, the competition is again being sponsored by Courts Guyana and organised by the Petra Organisation.
The Petra Organisation is striving to upkeep the competition, and with assistance of Courts Guyana and new sponsors Banks DIH, that is a possibility.
Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca spoke on the history of the tournament, and noted that it was once played through clubs. He said that when an alternative was needed, the organisation turned to the schools.
Further, he highlighted the contributions that the tournament has made over the
Courts’ Managing Director Clyde DeHaas makes a point during the launch of the seventh edition of the Courts Pee Wee Tournament
course of its existence.
“So I want you, the youngsters, to understand that what you’re going to enjoy for the next seven weeks is preparation and hard work for seven years. More so, this program is in keeping with efforts being made at the FIFA level, and by extension the GFF, where a lot of emphasis is being placed on youth football,” Mendonca said.
Courts’ Managing Director Clyde DeHass noted that the company has found a partner in Petra, and is happy to be exercising its corporate social responsibility.
“I think it was a very good alignment of the celestial bodies that the meeting took place, and we found the right partner in the Petra Organisation, whereby we can channel some of the funds we have available for development and to play our part as a corporate entity.” He explained.
Stressing that the company would do its utmost to continue the tournament over the years to come, Mendonca said, “And I can tell you that, after six years, we have not been disappointed. We have seen this competition grow (from) year to year (and from) strength to strength; because even if we have the funds we want to spend to develop communities, if we don’t have a partner to help execute the plans, then we cannot do anything.”
Also coming on board for sponsorship is Banks DIH, under its Rainforest Waters and Malta Supreme brand. Here’s what their brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, had to say: “Banks DIH wouldn’t be supportive of a programme if it is not worth it. We look at the investment in children and physical activity, because we at Banks DIH believe that sports is equally important to academic development and academic achievement.”
The tournament will kick off on September 29 with 32 primary school teams involved. The teams, which hail from Georgetown, East Bank, East Coast and the West Coast of Demerara, are being placed in eight groups of four. In previous years, the tournament was held at the Thirst Park ground. However, the matches will now strictly be hosted at the YMCA playing field, and will begin at 10hrs every Saturday for the next seven weeks.
Participating schools are: Marian Academy, Mae’s, School of the Nations, West Ruimveldt, South, St Pius, Smith’s Memorial, Winfer Gardens, Enterprise, Sophia, St Margaret’s, St Agnes, Tucville, St Ambrose, North Georgetown, F.E. Pollard, J.E. Burnham, St Stephens, Stella Maris, Colaaco, Victoria, Grove, Mocha- Arcadia, Redeemer, St Gabriel’s, Soesdyke, Timehri, Supply, Golden Grove, Goed Fortuin, Den Amstel and Clonbrook.
