The Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Schools’ Under-18 League got off to an exciting start on Sunday afternoon, setting up what is expected to be an entertaining few weeks.
The Petra-organised tournament got underway at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, with a March past competition.
Before the eight participating teams got into competition mode, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca reminded all present of the importance of the League format in football development.
“This tournament, as I said before, is the backbone of any football structure, a league format. So, I want to encourage, as a matter of fact, the encouragement is here already. So, I want to implore on you to continue to give your best, because based on the future plans for football, this tournament is going to be the most important,” Mendonca shared.
Meanwhile, Guyoil Bulk Sales Manager Berkeley McCalmon reiterated the company’s willingness to invest in the sport, and also had words of encouragement for the teenaged players.
“I know it’s going to be a fierce competition, but just some advice: you can display sportsmanship for 90 minutes and I hope that the best school will come on top,” McCalmon remarked.
The Petra Organisation also sought to reach extend gratitude to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), who donated playing kit for two schools.
Mendonca explained the benefit of having the Federation’s support, in order to ensure the teams were fully equipped for the developmental league.
“During our team briefing, we were very adamant about teams turning up well uniformed, properly attired, well prepared for the tournament and two schools reached out to us about the difficulties they have in terms of the uniform and I reached out to the Guyana Football Federation,” he related.
He went on to express gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the Organisation and the schools in this tournament, we would like to express our gratitude for this donation and it’s just a demonstration of our relationship with the GFF and we work very closely in terms of building a structure within the school football system.”
When the on-field action finally began, Cummings Lodge Secondary registered the first win of the tournament, following a thrilling tit-for-tat encounter with North Ruimveldt Secondary School.
