Courts Pee Wee tournament takes learning beyond the classroom

The 13th annual Courts Optical Under-11 Peewee Football Tournament will give young players from Georgetown and seven Administrative Regions an opportunity to develop both their football ability and important life skills when the competition begins on September 19 at the Ministry of Education Ground.
Approximately 32 teams are expected to compete, while a provisional roster contains 37 schools and two standby teams. Defending champions Leonora Primary will return in pursuit of another title.
The tournament was officially launched on Thursday at the Courts Optical head office, where officials highlighted the role school football plays in teaching children teamwork, discipline, leadership, resilience, and respect.
The Petra Organisation has coordinated the tournament for more than a decade, providing generations of primary school players with organised competition and greater exposure.
Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonza said several players who participated in the tournament went on to represent Guyana at the junior and senior levels.
That pathway was recently demonstrated during Guyana’s successful campaign at the Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Challenge Series. Several players in the national squad had previously competed in the Courts Pee Wee tournament.
National coaches have also worked with participating teams over the years, strengthening the tournament’s place within the country’s wider football-development structure.
However, officials stressed that the competition is not only about identifying future national players. It is also expected to reach hundreds of children and give them opportunities to remain active, build friendships and learn through competition.
Unicomer Guyana Managing Director Jillian Matthews described the tournament as an investment in children and communities across Guyana. She reminded the young players that the friendships, experiences and lessons gained from participating are just as valuable as winning the championship.
Head of the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, Nicholas Fraser, also welcomed the tournament’s continuation and the number of children it will reach.
Fraser said participation in sport allows children to exercise, socialise and develop outside the traditional classroom. He also acknowledged the contribution of coaches, teachers and parents, who dedicate several hours to preparing the players.
The Ministry of Education is seeking to improve safety within the tournament by having teachers who work with the teams trained in safeguarding and other areas that can create a better experience for the children.
Deputy Director of Sport Franklin Wilson said the basic skills developed at the Under-11 level could provide the foundation for players to progress further in football.
Wilson encouraged the youngsters to play hard and fairly while remaining disciplined and respectful. He noted that sport can teach responsibility, positive habits, and social skills that can benefit children at school, at home and in their communities.
The tournament will have a strong national presence, with schools travelling from the coastland, Linden, Bartica and the Essequibo region.
Sophia Primary, Redeemer Primary, FE Pollard Primary, North Georgetown Primary, Marian Academy, Winfer Gardens Primary, St Pius Primary, and West Ruimveldt Primary are among the Georgetown teams on the provisional roster.
Tucville Primary, Enterprise Primary, St Ambrose Primary, St Stephen’s Primary, Stella Maris Primary, Mae’s School, Georgetown International Academy, and the School of the Nations complete the Georgetown contingent.
Amelia’s Ward Primary and One Mile Primary are listed from Region 10, while Potaro Primary and St John the Baptist Primary will represent Region Seven. St Therese’s Primary and St Aloysius Primary are included from Region Six, with Belladrum Primary and Rosignol Primary representing Region Five.
The East Coast Demerara teams are Ann’s Grove Primary, Plaisance Primary, Annandale Primary and Friendship Primary. Craig Primary, Soesdyke Primary and Timehri Primary are listed from the East Bank of Demerara.
Leonora Primary will be joined by Malgre Tout Primary, Vreed-en-Hoop Primary and Westminster Primary as the Region Three representatives.
Region Two will have representation from Tapakuma Lake Primary and Kabakaburi Primary.
Greene Acres Primary and Golden Grove Primary have been named as standby teams.
The tournament is supported by Courts Optical, Unicomer Guyana, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport.