Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” returns March 15

It is considered the most celebrated street football tournament in the country, and teams eagerly anticipate its staging.
The Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown Zone is scheduled to kick off on March 15, at the renowned National Park in Thomas Lands.

Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over eight days of competition along with lucrative prize monies and trophies, while an automatic berth in the national final is guaranteed.
According to Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste, because of the extended absence of the tournament owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unfortunate issues, the organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the event makes an exciting re-entry into the street-style football landscape.
To this end, Baptiste informed that they’ve decided to invite 32 of the best teams in Georgetown, who will battle over eight days for the right to be crowned the best in the city.
The other playing days are March 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 30, with the final set for the 31.
Baptiste added that this year’s zone opener would enjoy unprecedented media exposure, assuring that all platforms would be utilised to advertise the event.
“We are quite aware of the popularity of the event and because of its unfortunate absence for some time, player’s and fans’ experience will be a top priority for us, so very shortly we will be rolling out our plans to sensitise communities where these teams will come from, about all the information pertaining to the tournament,” he said.

He disclosed that apart from the automatic qualifiers, the organisers hope to stage a playoff among teams desirous of competing in the tournament, especially those entering for the first time.
Defending champions Gold is Money will be aiming to secure their third consecutive title, if they achieve this accolade it will make them the first team to do so, while the most successful team in the tournament’s history, Sparta Boss will be motivated to stop them in their quest of accomplishing such a feat.
Among the other favoured teams slated to compete are Back Circle, Bent Street, Sophia, North East La Penitence, Stabroek Ballers, and Albouystown.
Judging from recent competitions, this year’s Georgetown Zone is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a plethora of young upcoming teams already displaying their potential and pedigree; therefore, it should not come as no surprise if one of the lesser fancied teams go all the way to win the coveted title.
Early evidence of the young teams’ promise in recently-staged tournaments seems to suggest that such a scenario is a real possibility, and this setting makes the attendance of residents from the communities even more crucial for team support.
Baptiste revealed that they were currently in discussion to stage a tournament launch and details would be forthcoming soon.
This year could also witness a more vibrant community interaction all aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among residents.
Additionally, the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” competition has over the years been organised to identify talent, and with word emanating about the abundance of such residing in the competing communities, the custodians of the sport are advised to have scouts on every scheduled match day.
What is guaranteed are exciting matches and giveaways for fans.