DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills making a presentation to Petra’s Co- Director Troy Mendonca
For the fourth consecutive year, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), through its Pepsi brand, has thrown support behind the Petra- organized ExxonMobil Schools’ Under-14 Football tournament.
DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills
This was confirmed during a simple presentation ceremony held on Thursday morning at the company’s Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Head Office.
The tournament, which carries Boys’ and Girls’ components, is set to kick off next Saturday, May 13, 2023, and will see participating teams remaining refreshed and hydrated through DDL’s support.
In brief remarks at the presentation, DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills spoke of the company’s commitment and eagerness to support the development of youths. He said: “Demerara Distillers Limited, as mentioned before, under our Pepsi brand, we’re once again a part of the ExxonMobil Schools’ tournament – something that we would’ve started 4 years ago, and one that we intend to continue doing for an extended period,” Wills shared.
Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca
The DDL Brand Manager added about the company’s vested interest, “As a company, we’re very happy and always ready to give back to grassroots programmes, and this one is very ideal. You know, we find pleasure in supporting the young kids, ensuring that they’re able to develop their skills through these competitions.”
Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca highlighted DDL’s longstanding support, while noting that such efforts help to advance the sport.
Mendonca said, “Over the years, DDL would’ve been very supportive of this programme and we don’t think it’s by any mistake or so on. The organization, through the Ministry and the GFF, we’ve put our best (foot) forward, and as I said before, these programmes are the foundation to move the sport forward.
“This year, as you’re aware, we’re bringing teams from Regions 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 that wasn’t part of the tournament last year. But these things can only happen, and the consistency that we’ve shown over the years can only happen with the support of the sponsors,” Mendonca shared.
The U14 boys’ and girls’ tournament is set to have 48 teams competing: 32 in the boys’ competition and 16 in the girls’ competition.
The teams are vying for a chance to win a $300,000 grand prize that would go towards a school project.
Aside from title sponsors ExxonMobil and DDL’s Pepsi, MVP Sports has also thrown support behind the tournament.
