THE fourth edition of the Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF)-organised Scotiabank/Pepsi-sponsored School Football Academy officially got under way last Saturday in Georgetown with the traditional March Past of teams at the Ministry of Education Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue.Products and Marketing Manager of Scotiabank Jennifer Cipriani and Demerara Distillers Limited Marketing Executive Larry Wills took the salute at the March Past, following which Tournament Coordinator Lawrence Griffith gave the welcome address and showered praise on the sponsors for their continued contribution.
A game by female players was contested between defending champions Tutorial High and returning participants East Ruimveldt Secondary following the march past, with Wills conducting the ceremonial kick-off. The game ended nil-all after 70 minutes of entertaining and crowd-pleasing football from both sides.
Both teams showed glimpses of better things to come, which means that the other teams have to look out for these two teams who had members from the Little DIVA Flames Female Football Club, which was formed out of last year’s Academy and their higher level of play was evident.
The competition continued the following day at the same venue, with Tutorial High males coming away with a 5-0 win over Campbellville Secondary, thanks to David Coates’ hat-trick.
Coates found the back of the net in the 10th, 29th and 42nd minutes of play and was ably supported by Mario Padmore and Kevon Roach who scored one each in the 50th and 68th minutes respectively, while the score line should have been greater after Temaul Dowlin of Campbellville Secondary deliberately handled the ball in the penalty area in the 18th minute.
The ensuing penalty kick was taken by Allister Frank who struck the ball high over the bar, to the amazement of his team members and supporters.
Brenda Harmon, Organising committee member, gave the vote of thanks and complimented Scotiabank and DDL for their support.
She also singled out for special mention the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Guyana Football Federation, Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana Football Coaches Association, Media, Management team of the ground and the principals of all the respective schools, for making this venture a success.
The competition continues in Georgetown on Sunday with one game which will feature Lodge Secondary and Charlestown in a female encounter commencing at 09:30hrs at the Ministry of Education ground.
Meanwhile, the action moves to the Ancient County of Berbice this Saturday with the March Past of teams at the Scotts school ground in New Amsterdam from 10:00hrs, followed by a male match between Berbice Educational Institute and Berbice High School.
The Linden segment will commence next Saturday with the March Past of teams at the Wisburg Secondary School ground at 09:00hrs, while two games will follow from 10:00hrs when the female teams of Harmony and Mackenzie High clash, with their male counterparts playing the second game at 11:30hrs.