Future Warriors tournament broadens reach, impacting more young cricketers

ExxonMobil Guyana is set to continue its significant investment in youth development and grassroots sports through the fourth edition of the FL Sport Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament for Primary Schools.
The tournament, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana and organised by FL Sport, was officially launched on Friday at ExxonMobil Guyana’s headquarters, Block C, Plantation Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The initiative marks the fourth year of a successful partnership between the company and FL Sport and continues to serve as a major platform for introducing young players to organised cricket while promoting teamwork, discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Speaking at the launch, FL Sport representative John Ramsingh announced a major expansion of the tournament, which will continue to follow an inter-county format while increasing participation from 12 to 16 schools per county.
“This season, we are increasing participation from 12 schools per county to 16 schools per county. This expansion means we will now reach 624 students, compared to 468 over the previous two seasons, an impressive increase of 25 per cent,” Ramsingh said.
He noted that the programme has already had a far-reaching impact on youth cricket development across Guyana.
“In the first three seasons, we had reached more than 1000 new-build cricketers. And to be exact, 1092,” he added.
The tournament’s fourth edition will feature more than 80 primary schools competing across Guyana’s three counties. Action begins in the Demerara Zone on May 30 and 31 at the National Stadium, Providence. Competition then moves to the Berbice Zone on June 13 and 14 at the Albion Sports Complex before concluding the regional qualifiers in the Essequibo Zone on June 20 and 21 at the Anna Regina National Stadium.
The expanded tournament will also feature an enhanced prize structure designed to reward outstanding performances. Individual awards will be presented for most runs, most wickets, and the most valuable player (MVP).
For the first time, a third-place playoff match will be contested, while trophies will be awarded to the teams finishing first, second, third, and fourth.
Participating schools will receive a range of equipment and educational resources, including cricket kits consisting of bats, balls, and stumps, agility training equipment, stopwatches, whistles, and electronic tablets. The tablets will support both performance monitoring and educational activities, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to holistic youth development.
Technology will also play a central role in this year’s competition, with every match being live-scored through the FL Sport app. The innovation will allow parents, teachers, supporters, and cricket fans to follow matches remotely and stay updated on scores and player performances in real time.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag praised the government’s commitment to sports development and highlighted efforts to create greater opportunities for young athletes.
She pointed to President Irfaan Ali’s vision for sports development through various policies and initiatives, including the introduction of Friday afternoon Physical Education sessions in schools.
Parag revealed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure cricket becomes part of those weekly PE programmes.
“We are working to ensure that those Friday afternoon physical education sessions include cricket as one of the sports through which students can develop their talent and skills,” she said.
ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its oil and gas operations.
“Sport is a way to develop community. It teaches discipline, teamwork, and many life skills that help young people become leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers,” Routledge said.
Reflecting on his own sporting experiences growing up in Scotland, Routledge noted that ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to support initiatives that contribute positively to the development of young people and communities throughout the country.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle described the current period as a golden era for sports development in Guyana.
“It is the most exciting time that Guyana has ever seen in over 60 years of independence,” Ninvalle declared.
He commended FL Sport for its vision and ExxonMobil Guyana for its continued sponsorship, noting the tournament’s steady growth since its inception in 2023.
“The Future Warriors Tournament was started in 2023, and it has progressed to now, where you have over 80 schools participating. It shows that your first step is never your best, but it gets you started,” he said.
Ninvalle also acknowledged the support of the Government of Guyana, emphasising that partnerships between the public and private sectors remain critical to the continued advancement of youth sports.
With expanded participation, increased rewards, enhanced technology, and continued corporate support, the 2026 Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament is expected to provide hundreds of primary school students across Guyana with an opportunity to develop their cricketing skills while building confidence, character, and a passion for sport.