Football returns to Georgetown with Stag Beer Revival Cup

The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) could not have found a better name for its upcoming tournament as it re-enters the world of hosting competitions after a bout of difficulties.

The GFA will be collaborating with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and ANSA McAL, under its Stag brand, to stage the “GFA-Stag Beer Revival Cup”. The tournament will cater to football clubs within the Georgetown area, resuscitating the competitive spirit between the Georgetown clubs after a long time.
At the launch of the event, GFA Interim Management Committee Chairman Trevor Williams noted that the Association was taking small steps towards fully restoring the glory of football that Georgetown once possessed. As such, he said, “I wish to encourage the clubs to make the most of the opportunities given, to keep their commitment to the game strong to ensure that together the GFA, the GFF and the football fraternity could take football to where we’ll be pleased in the city of Georgetown.”
Declaring that the ANSA McAL company was “overly excited” to be part of such an initiative, Stag representative Saekwon McGarrell noted that the company was anticipating a top-notch tournament. “At this tournament, we’ll be able to see top teams with top talents, top managers, top trainers and skilful strategists; this is definitely going to be a football fiesta. It is time for us to be proud of our talented young players who are eager to display their skills and talents,” McGarrell said.
GFA Competitions Committee Chairman Otis James shared the details of the tournament, stating that it was scheduled to begin on August 12 and run for 16 days. Within those 16 days, 56 matches are expected to be played in a round-robin format and then eight teams will advance into the quarter-final stage. The competition will host 16 teams, inclusive of Fruta Conquerors, Western Tigers, the Guyana Defence Force and Buxton United.
However, with regard to the Elite League teams, players who are listed for the Elite League will not be eligible for this competition. As such, the teams are being urged to allow their Under-20 players to garner some exposure during this tournament.
GFF President Wayne Forde has ecstatically welcomed the return of football to Georgetown. Additionally, he has expressed hope that this tournament would be a stepping stone towards development.
“Football in Georgetown has been long overdue, it is pointless for us to get into the reasons why, but what I think we should do is concentrate our energies in developing a sustainable programme, over the next couple of years,” Forde said.
The games will be hosted at the GFC Ground and the Tucville Football Ground (popularly known as the Fruta Conquerors Ground). The grand prize for the competition is $500,000, while second place will receive $250,000, and $150,000 will be awarded to the third-place winner.