EAST Coast football champions Victoria Kings Football Club (VKFC), in collaboration with Healthy Choice Promotions, will be commencing their Easter Cup knockout tournament tomorrow, where affiliated clubs in the East Demerara Football Association will be competing for over $250 000 in cash prizes. The aim of the tournament is to promote the sport of football on the East Coast of Demerara, as there are only two clubs active in the Guyana Football Federation Super League. The others are awaiting the association to kick-start the 2012 season, of which sponsorship is a problem.
Present at the launching ceremony which was held at the Upscale Restaurant on Wednesday were coordinator of the tournament Linton Luke, Beterverwagting Triumph United Football Club (BVTUFC) president Bonita Frank, Devon Browne Marketing Representative of Giftland OfficeMax, EDFA secretary Sheron Abrams and Calvin Marks, secretary of the VKFC.
According to Luke, his club has taken the initiative to promote this tournament in association with the much-experienced Healthy Choice Promotion.
Browne expressed thanks on behalf of his company and highlighted that they will continue to support sports and other events in Guyana, noting that one pair of Diadora football boots will be handed over to the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The tournament will see the two currently active clubs, Victoria Kings and Mahaica Determinators, Ann’s Grove, Golden Grove, Buxton Stars, BVTUFC and Plaisance battle for supremacy.
The EDFA officials will assist in match-day logistics as they have given the green light for the commencement and execution of the tournament by the club and promotion group, in accordance with the GFF and EDFA tournament guidelines.
Interesting highlight of this tournament is the International Business Education School’s offer of four scholarships to students for a five-year period, which will aid the academic development of four lucky players from the teams who make it to the semifinals.
In tomorrow’s matches, BVTUFC will face Buxton United at 16:00hrs, Golden Grove and Ann’s Grove will battle from 18:00hrs while in the final game Victoria Kings and Mahaica Determinators will clash from 20:00hrs.
According to Luke, Buxton United have withdrawn from the tournament hence Victoria Kings will be fielding a ‘B’ team in the tournament which will showcase the depth of the club’s development.
Frank expressed thanks to the organising club and the promotional group for inviting her club to this tournament and indicated that her team will be going all out in high spirits to win this tournament.
Abrams, who is also coach of Bakewell Buxton Stars indicated that her team is not 100% prepared for the tournament, but they were delighted to be invited to participate in same, which she said was good for East Coast football and wished the promoter and club success.
On Sunday April 1, Bakewell Buxton star will oppose Plaisance United at 14:00hrs.
The tournament will continue with the semi-finals on Saturday, April 7 and on the following Saturday 14th, the final and an exhibition game will be played.
There will be a number of promotional activities for the tournament and patrons will be informed at the games as the promotions will be announced.