In this Andre Naraine photo, Peggy Julien (fourth right) accepts the winning team’s trophy on behalf of Fruta Conquerors from Bryden and Fernandes’ Marketing Coordinator mark Kendall, while looking on from left are; GFC’s representative Sheldon Stephens, Bryden and Fernandes’ Sales Coordinator Rawl Davson, GFA’s president Troy Mendonca, Camptown’s assistant coach Andrew hazel and GFA’s office secretary Abigail Osbourne.

Keith Fletcher (3rd) along with Eon Alleyne (32nd and 38th) and Travis Savory (36th) were the goal scorers for the champions.

The competition’s leading goal scorer was Stephon Dickenson of Uprising with six goals to his credit.

Uprising also received the Most Disciplined Team award after receiving the least amount of yellow cards and no red cards.

The competition’s Most valuable Player award went to Fruta Conquerors’ Joshua Brown while the Best Goal Keeper award went to Dennis Edwards.

Finishing third in the competition was GFC who defeated Uprising in the third place play off.

Fruta Conquerors reached the final by defeating Uprising 5-0 in the semi-final round while Sunburst Camptown edged GFC 6-4 in the other semi-final.

In the quarter final, Camptown and Alpha United played to a 1-1 stalemate, while Uprising defeated Riddim Squad 2-1, GFC brushed aside BK International Western Tigers 6-1 and Conquerors beat Pele 2-0.

However, Pele registered the largest margin of victory in the entire tournament by trashing Flamingo 14-0.

Giving an overview of the tournament yesterday, GFA president Troy Mendonca related that the tournament commenced on May 30 and conclude on August 19.

He said a total of 12 teams divided into three groups of four teams each participated in the round robin stage of the tournament with each team in their respective groups playing each other once and the top two teams from each of the groups along with the best two third place teams qualifying for the knock-out stage.

According to the GFA president, GFC and Fruta Conquerors; Uprising and Pele; along with Camptown and Western Tigers were the top two teams in their respective groups, while Riddim Squad and Alpha United were the best two third place teams.

He said preliminary matches were played at the Camptown ground, the GFC ground and the Tucville ground, while the knock-out stage and the quarter finals were played at the Camptown and Tucville grounds.

The semifinals were played at the Camptown ground and the final at the Tucville ground.

A total of 107 goals were scored during the competition, consisting of 69 goals in the round robin stage and 38 in the knock-out stage.

Group `B’ which comprised of Uprising, Pele, Riddim Squad and Flamingo scored the most goals in the preliminary stage and this amounted to 34 goals, while conceding the least amount was group `A’, totaling 15.

Thirty two yellow cards as well as six red cards were issued in the competition.

Mendonca, in thanking Bryden and Fernandes for their support, said the contribution the company made at this juncture came at a valuable time.

He said the competition showcased the talent that abounds in Guyana and the tournament allowed the youths to showcase their talents and gave the youths the opportunity to build a foundation for their future.

He noted that the Guyanese society is faced with so many ills, but with the youths playing under supervision, it gave them the opportunity to abstain from these ills.

Meanwhile, Bryden and Fernandes’ Marketing Coordinator mark Kendall in brief remarks congratulated the respective winners of awards and stated that it takes skill, discipline, dedication, energy, time and a love for football to be at the presentation ceremony.

He said the company is pleased to see young people utilise their energy in a positive manner and are privileged to exhibit their talents and skills in such an arena.

He encouraged each player to continue striving for excellence and make valuable efforts to be an example for their peers in their respective communities for generations to come.

He applauded the GFA for their efforts and hard work in helping to keep football alive in Guyana and for also allowing the country’s youth to have a recreational event which allows them to be physically and mentally ready for the world at large.