Linden year-end football tradition continues with GT beer Cup

– over M in cash and prizes at stake

Fans craving the excitement of year end football have some action to look forward to with the launch of the 4th annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)

Banks GT Beer Cup. Over $2 million in cash and prizes are up for grabs this year, with games scheduled to commence on December 6 and will run until January 1, 2017.

At the official launch of the tournament which was held outside the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) building, Mackenzie, on Wednesday, Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters thanked the President and representatives of the UDFA for hosting the tournament once again.

“It has taken on a new development because we see it now, more as a community development programme within the Linden/Upper Demerara area and we are committed to the development of football and you know that we have been sponsoring football for many years in this community. We will continue to show that commitment,” he stated.

Peters said he is looking forward to the exciting nights of competition and wished the teams well, noting that they are all winners for participating. He also urged patrons to come out in their numbers and support their teams.

Meanwhile, GT Beer Brand Manager Jeff Clement expressed appreciation for support of the GT Beer Brand, while wishing all a smooth and successful tournament.

“We’re happy to be on board again for the fourth year of this tournament” Clement noted.

UDFA President Sharma Solomon in recognizing the efforts of Banks DIH for committedly maintaining support for the tournament also thanked players for maintaining loyalty and commitment to the game.

“This tournament…is an important feature that we would like to thank Banks DIH not only for their unwavering commitment but also to say to other corporate sponsors, to come on board with not only football but in general, sports…it is not only providing the opportunity for young people but provides for this community, the opportunity so that we can have a socio economic background built around sports…The year end football would have provided such a feature for this community,” Solomon said. He further noted that UDFA would have ensured that it is prepared not only for year-end football but would have trained over 15 coaches and prepared it’s under 17 team via a summer camp to participate in two tournaments, among other things.

He praised Banks DIH’s loyalty towards football while noting that the UDFA will continue to show loyalty to players through more tournaments. Solomon also urged all to come out and show support. Also present at the launch of the tournament were Banks DIH Linden Branch Manager Shondell Easton and Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart.

Participating teams in this year’s tournament include Winners Connection, Blueberry Hill, Silver Shattas, Kwakwani Strikers, Amelia’s Ward, High Stars, Netrockers, Eagles, Botofago and Milerock. First place will walk away with $1M in cash and prizes.

The opening match on December 6 will see Winners Connection battling head to head with Blueberry Hill.