WEST Demerara Football Association (WDFA) yesterday morning, together with Ansa McAl Trading’s Stag Beer, launched its 2012 Stag league which kicks off this Sunday at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground with nine participating clubs. Present at the simple launching ceremony held in the sponsor’s Beterverwagting-based boardroom were Assistant Secretary Treasurer Chevon Monchoir, General Secretary Adrian Giddings and Ansa McAl’s Marketing Director Troy Cadogan with members of the media.
Cadogan expressed gratitude on behalf of his company for having the opportunity to support football in Guyana under the Stag Brand.
He noted that Stag Beer and its brand will now be the official brand for football in Guyana as they have partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and today the WDFA.
Cadogan  said his company had played a significant part in the development of football in the WDFA years ago and saw the fruits of their labour as national football players Orville Bobb, Keith Thomas, Shawn knights, Kevin Archer, Kester Petty, Anson and Ron Austin and others came to the fore.
He mentioned that he is grateful to see the leadership and vision of the young executive of the WDFA and more so the implementation of a nursery programme to aid in the development of West Demerara and Guyana’s football.
Giddings outlined the league, saying the nine competing clubs will be competing for a place in the top four, which will be involved in a knockout playoff for the championship spot.
He noted that a youth camp will commence during the summer as well as other activities.
The participating clubs will come from GFF Super League newcomers Den Amstel, Seawall, Uitvligt, Stewartville, Beavers, Eagles, Bagotstown, Pouderoyen Young Achievers and Wales United.
In the opening double-header on Sunday Uitvlugt will face Stewartville while the supporting game will pit Den Amstel against Seawall.
Acting president of the GFF, Franklyn Wilson, in his short presentation, complimented the officials of WDFA for their step to resuscitate senior football under their stewardship as they have done commendably well during the organisation of youth football during their term in office.
He noted that the sponsor had worked with the Association before and had tremendous success in promoting the game as well as the marketing aspect and urged the officials to support and do their best.
He also made mention of the talent produced through their sponsorship in the previous leagues and tournaments and reminded them of the inaugural knockout football tournament under the company to the now popular ‘Sweet 16’ tournament which is jointly sponsored with Digicel.
Monchoir thanked the sponsors for their support and pledged her Association’s commitment to making the league an annual feature, while saying there will be special promotions at the matches and in the areas of participating clubs.