Historic Brazilian, Bahamian teams lined up for sixth KFC Goodwill tournament

In a historic move for a locally organised schools’ football tournament, schools from Brazil and the Bahamas will travel to the Land of Many Waters in December for the sixth edition of the KFC Goodwill International Schools’ Football Competition.
The major announcement was made on Wednesday evening at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown, where the Petra Organisation and sponsors KFC, alongside other stakeholders, gathered for the tournament’s launch.
This year’s competition will feature defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation, Annai Secondary (Region Nine), and the winner or runner-up of the Republic Bank Secondary School League – all representing Guyana.
From Trinidad and Tobago, St Benedict’s College will compete. Kingston College of Jamaica, Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) Select of the Bahamas, Monteiro Lobato School of Boa Vista, Brazil, and Suriname’s Schools’ Championship winners will add to the tournament’s international flair.
The international expansion was highlighted by KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan, who hailed it as a major achievement.

“For your unwavering commitment to sports, to youth and to football in particular, I think that you guys have done a fantastic job, and by your hard work and commitment for what is near to us at KFC, we have no hesitation in coming on board with you guys for a 6th consecutive time,” the KFC Guyana CEO expressed.
Subryan opined, “This tournament, ladies and gentlemen, is going places, and we have now gone international. That is a big, big achievement.”

Meanwhile, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca revealed the tournament dates and format, which will see competition in a round-robin/knockout style, running from December 14 to 21.
Mendonca went on to share some rationale behind the tournament, also voicing his expectations.
The organiser shared, “We also use this tournament as a platform for these young footballers to showcase their talents, which positions them for scholarship and developmental opportunities.”
“I must say, the sixth annual Goodwill tournament promises to be an exciting and impactful event, and as such, we look forward to an unforgettable week of competition, camaraderie and cultural celebration,” Mendonca later added.
Also speaking at Wednesday evening’s launch was Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, who pledged the government’s support for the initiative.
“It’s not easy; many have tried to pull together a few teams over the years, but we’ve seen it fizzle out over time, but Troy and Marlon, I think, because of their deep-rooted love for the game and the fact that they want to see organised football in Guyana, they’ve stood strong, and they have succeeded so far,” ADoS Franklin Wilson shared.
Wilson reaffirmed, “The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension the Government of Guyana, as well as the National Sports Commission, will continue to lend its support to this tournament.”
This year’s tournament activities will once again feature a Cultural Night at the Umana Yana, providing a cultural immersion and exchange opportunity for the participating schools.