Milo Schools’ U18 Football Tournament 2023: An opportunity to recognize hinterland schools

– Vansluytman on Santa Rosa victory

A thrilling final of the 2023 Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football Tournament was scripted last Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, when Santa Rosa Secondary of Region One (Barima-Waini), ironically debutants in this year’s tournament, became first- time winners of the championship by defeating the feared Chase’s Academic Foundation by five goals to three.

The tale of Santa Rosa’s come-from-behind victory over Chase’s Academic Foundation is by now no secret, the former having gone on to win on kicks from the penalty mark after regulation and extra time ended with the scores locked at 3-3.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Captain of the victorious Santa Rosa team, Roy Vanslyutman, revealed that the Santa Rosa comeback was all due to their belief in themselves and refusal to give up.
“We believed! Although we went down two goals, we keep our heads high. The coaches talked to us, and we believed,” Vansluytman shared. The youngster added, “Well, we didn’t give up, that’s the main thing. We keep pushing and pushing.”
Asked how they felt coming up against the fearsome Chase’s Academic Foundation, the Santa Rosa captain admitted that a bit of nerves had come into play. “We were kinda nervous, but confident also, because of the run we had. It was a great run. Quite confident, but a little nervous also,” he revealed.

About their comeback from being two goals down, Vansluytman divulged a little about their half-time pep talk with coaches Earl Richards and Barry Atkinson.
Vansluytman explained, “The coach told us, going back from halftime, the score is nil-nil. Just think about the next half, and try to win it. That’s some of the tactics.”
The story of Santa Rosa’s triumph has been a hot topic on social media platforms since that memorable victory on Sunday night, and it is a spotlight that the team captain is grateful for. When asked about what the victory would mean for his team and school, Vansluytman explained that it is another boost for hinterland football.
“I think it does a lot! You know, it recognizes hinterland schools, like more schools from the hinterland get opportunity,” the teenager reasoned.
Regarding future tournaments, Vansluytman added: “We’re confident! We have a lot of good young players that didn’t make the squad this year, and a lot are finishing school.”
Besides the championship, Santa Rosa also won the award for being the most disciplined school in the competition.