Milo schools football growing from strength to strength – Mendonca

…6th edition kicks-off January 27

The sixth edition of annual the Petra Organised Milo Schools Football was hailed as a growing revelation for youth football by Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca at the launching of the sixth edition on Thursday at Beepats, Dennis Street, Sophia warehouse.
Mendonca felt the growth of players from the tournament to national teams speaks to the volumes of its success and they as organisers achieving their goal when they undertook the project. He also thanked the company for their continued support and hopes in years going ahead they can expand even further.
The 2017 tournament contained 32 teams but this year it is limited to 24 teams, 18 from Georgetown, two from East Coast Demerara and one each from East Bank Demerara, West Demerara, Linden and Berbice.

According to Mendonca the reason for the reduction in teams is to a bring higher quality of play and intensity to the tournament. He hopes from next year to have play-offs in the respective zones to select the final 24 teams.
Likewise, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Ian Greenwood was on hand and expressed his delight of the success as it presents a perfect platform for them to scout the future of Guyana’s football.
Greenwood also stated the federation will be offering technical assistance to schools for this tournament and coaches can contact the organisers who will then refer them to the federation as they hope to conduct seminars prior to the start of the tournament on January 27.
Ministry of Education, Allied arts Division Nicholas Fraser also gave glowing remarks of the tournament and the impact it has been making. He applauded the organisers for the expansion, since reaching more schools in the effort to balancing physical education with academics is vital.
Additionally, Brand Manager Christel Vansluytman explained that this is the eight year the company has support the tournament but six years under the Milo brand. Vansluytman urged patrons to keep supporting the brand of Nestle products as it’s the only way they can will be able offer this tangible support for sports or other social initiatives. She maintained tournaments like these help in students finding a balance between sports and academics.
General Manager of the company Jonathan Beepat, voiced that their support will continue as it has become a family to tradition to help society and in this case through sports.
The under-18 will primarily be played at the Ministry of Education, ground, Carifesta Avenue will conclude with its grand final on March 28.
Teams will be hoping to dethroning three-time champions Chase Academic Foundation and secure the first place prize of $500,000 which goes towards a school project. Second to fourth, will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively which also go towards school projects.
The participating schools are : Carmel Secondary, Chase Academy, Dolphin Secondary , Lodge Secondary School, Maes Secondary, Masters Academy, Morgan Learning Center, Pure Masters, Queen’s College, Queens Town Secondary, School of the Nation Secondary, Sir Leon Lessons, South Ruimveldt Secondary, St Roses High School, Tutorial Secondary, Buxton Youth Development, Annandale Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Uitivulgt Secondary, Vrymans Erven Secondary, Christianburg Secondary.
(Akeem Greene)