Guinness Football promises to be battle of best teams – Baptiste

Banks DIH Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste is optimistic at the level of intensity the Georgetown zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championships will bring for its enormous fan base after the 2017 edition was officially launched on Monday at the Thirst Park Sports Club.
The play-off rounds were held on Friday evening at East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground, commonly called California Square and saw a massive turnout as over 80 teams battled for 16 spots to make the final 32.
The Brand Manager viewed those teams as some of the best which will should create an intense battle ground for top honours.
Baptiste also explained the move to return into community areas come as a result of them “aiming to give back to communities”. He noted that street football has been an avenue to identify talents in the world, especially in England, noting, “Banks DIH Limited remains committed to social activities in the communities. I wish all the  teams the best of luck and show that your community is made of more.”

It was furthered revealed the winning team and the company will work in partnership to implement social projects.
Co-director of Three-peat promotions Rawle Welch commended teams for their discipline shown thus far and hope they can continue in the same manner.
He also thanked the company for the affording his organization the opportunity to coordinate the championship, declaring that the record number of team submissions for the recently concluded playoff section, indicates that the event is growing in popularity.
Welch further added that he expects a very competitive tournament, affirming that many of the teams, possess the necessary talents to emerge victorious.
Colours Boutique representative, Creanna Damon during brief remarks affirmed, that her company is once again proud to be associated with the tournament.
The event will feature new rules. The most important addition will be occur in the final three minutes, as any goal scored during that period, will result in the team being awarded two goals. It is called a ‘Guinness Goal’.
Similarly, each team will only be allowed two fouls per half, with the third infraction and every foul thereafter, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded to the opposition.
Also, if any player intentionally kicks the ball outside of the arena, based on the judgement of the referee, that individual will have to leave the match for three minutes, effectively reducing their team to three players for that period.
The event which will commence on Wednesday at California Square, comprises 32 teams battling in an initial round-robin format, comprising of eight groups of four teams.
Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each pool, will advance to the round of 16 elimination section.
Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.
They will also receive champion uniforms for their participation in the National Playoffs. This will be afforded to all zone winners.
Similarly, the event winner will also secure a community based project that will be funded by Banks DIH Limited.
On the other hand, the runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.