Expanded Courts/Malta Pee-Wee kicks-off on September 30

The annual Courts/Malta Pee-Wee under-11 Schools Football Tournament will return with its sixth edition on September 30 and conclude on November 11 at its regular Banks DIH ground at Thirst Park.
The pee-wee tournament which is the brainchild of the Petra Organisation and has traditionally attracted Georgetown school teams has now expanded its doors to accommodate teams from East Bank of Demerara, East Coast of Demerara and West Demerara taking its tally to 32 teams this year.
At the tournament’s launch on Friday in the Conference Room of the National Library, Co-Director of the Organising body, Troy Mendonca felt pleased with the success the tournament has brought since it gives youngsters the opportunity to engage in other activities other than academics.

Mendonca also explained the organisation is seeking to expand its wings which is the rationale behind the invitation being extended to schools from districts outside of Georgetown.
Likewise, Banks DIH Non-alcoholic brand manager Clayton McKenzie stated “we believe sports is the contributing factor to develop and for this reason will explore parents and teachers to come and support. Marketing Manager for Courts, Pernell Cummings disclosed that the sponsorship is in excess of $4M and commended the Petra Organization for the sterling job they have been doing. He too encouraged all to attend since It will be a time well spent.
He went on to express the company’s delights in seeing several players from the tournament gravitate to national colours.
Also present at the simple ceremony was the Guyana Football Federation President, Wayne Forde who further underscored the importance of corporate support citing that the federation cannot bear the burden of developing football in Guyana.
Similarly, Ministry of Education Representative Nicholas Fraser applauded Petra Organization for taking the leap of inviting other teams. Fraser further noted the importance of students finding the balance between academics and sports.
St. Angela’s boys are the defending champions of the tournament, after becoming the only team to win back-to-back titles in 2016 also having the distinction of being the only school to have never conceded a goal an entire tournament. The primary schools that are expected to participate are: Marian Academy, New Comenius, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Agnes, Tucville, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Ketley, St Gabriels, F.E Pollard, Enterprise, St Pius, Sophia, Winfer Garden, Smith’s Memorial, East La Penitence, St Angela’s, St Ambrose, St Stephens, Stella Maris, J.E Burnham, School of the Nations and Rama Krishna.