Scores of secondary schools’ football teams donned their colourful uniforms on Saturday morning in a march pass ceremony that marked the commencement of the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 football competition.
Initially slated to start two weeks ago, inclement weather had hindered organisers from getting the 2025 tournament underway.
A look at the competing schools during the opening ceremony and march pass exercise
Now in its sixth year, the U14 tournament will see 56 teams from Regions 1 through 7, with 20 competing across the two divisions.
Snippets of the boys and girls U14 action which kicked off on Saturday
During Saturday morning’s opening ceremony at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, ExxonMobil Guyana Production Engineer Ralph Fraser spoke on the title sponsor’s behalf, reiterating their commitment to sport.
“I’m excited to be here to kick off another Petra Football tournament. It has been six years now that ExxonMobil Guyana has sponsored this competition, and every year, we see new talent and great sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Supporting youth empowerment through sport is a focus for ExxonMobil. For over a decade we’ve been investing in communities, enhancing community grounds in some of the remote regions, supporting sports in schools, and supporting regional competitions and even international tournaments,” Fraser noted.
The ExxonMobil production engineer further stated, “Why sport? Because it plays such a vital role in our lives, especially team sports. It certainly played a role in mine growing up; I think balance is the key.” Also delivering remarks was Education Ministry Head of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser, who explained why the Ministry continues to support such initiatives.
Fraser expressed, “I think you’d be asking why the Ministry would be so keen on working with schools and, in particular, football. Now, it’s well known that we would really like to support schools in terms of your cognitive development, in terms of your academic achievement. It is also well known that football and other activities that relate to the expressive arts also help in your development as a student, so your affective domain is also important for us to develop.” When the on-field action began, Marian Academy’s girls drew first blood in the tournament, defeating Bushlot Secondary’s girls 7-0, while in the boys’ tournament Cotton Field overcame South Ruimveldt Secondary 2-0.
The ExxonMobil U14 action is billed to continue next weekend with more group stage action. The teams are competing for a $400,000 grand prize in both categories that will go towards a school project of their choosing.
Also delivering remarks was Education Ministry Head of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser, who explained why the Ministry continues to support such initiatives.
When the on-field action began, Marian Academy’s girls drew first blood in the tournament, defeating Bushlot Secondary’s girls 7-0, while in the boys’ tournament Cotton Field overcame South Ruimveldt Secondary 2-0.
