–Forty-eight schools across nine districts drafted
THE ninth edition of the annual Milo Schools U18 Football tournament was launched on Monday with a total of 48 schools across the country invited to participate.
Launched at the Massy Group’s Montrose facility, the tournament is set to commence on February 25, and conclude at the end of April.
According to PETRA organisation, the tournament has come a long way from its initial stages of being a ‘Georgetown only’ event.
The organisers’ co-director Troy Mendonca contended that it has always been a dream of the body to expand the reaches of the tournament, hence the inclusion of various teams across Guyana.
“We think that it has played a part in the development of the sport in this country; we can attest to this by all of the youngsters that have played senior national football in this Country and their camaraderie,” he said.
Keran Williams, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Marketing Officer said, “This tournament has meant a lot to young people across this country, and we have seen the talent coming through this programme.”
He extended thanks to the title sponsor, Milo, and the parent company, the Massy Group, for their support of the tournament.
Adviser to the Education Ministry Africo Selman, in her remarks noted, “To the teams that will be contesting, I wish to, at this early time, take the opportunity to remind them that both victory and failure can encourage you to do better.”
Meanwhile, Tournament title sponsor, MILO, through Teisha Milner Nestle senior Business Unit Manager MASSY distribution, explained that the company is always happy to support the event.
“Milo is a world-leading chocolate brand beverage; Milo products offer essential vitamins and minerals, and have been associated with sports and sporting activities,” it said.
Meanwhile, only 32 of the invited 48 teams will move on to the main tournament, with an elimination tournament to determine which teams move forward.
The winner of the tournament is guaranteed $300,000 to a project of their choice, with $200,000 going to the second place, and $100,000 to the third place school.
From Region one (Barima-Waini), Santa Rosa Secondary is the lone team invited, with Region two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) invitations extended to 8th of May and Cotton Field Secondary Schools.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) invitees include Uitvlugt Secondary, Vergenogen Secondary, Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, Westminster Secondary, Stewartville Secondary, Patentia Secondary and West Demerara Secondary.
Annandale Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary and President’s College are the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) teams invited from the East Coast of Demerara, with the East Bank Schools being St. Cuthbert’s Secondary and Dora Secondary.
Region five (Mahaica-Berbice) will see Bush Lot Secondary and Bygeval Secondary in action, with Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) seeing Berbice Educational Institution, Canje Secondary, Berbice High, New Amsterdam Secondary and Manchester Secondary at play.
Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)’s ‘invite’ went to Bartica Secondary, with Linden’s Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary and Mackenzie Secondary both representing Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
For Georgetown, the list includes: The Bishops’ High School, Carmel Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Chase Academy, Morgan’s Learning Centre, Marian Academy, New Central High School, St. Joseph’s High, Dolphin Secondary, Tucville Secondary, Queen’s College, St. Stanislaus College, Lodge Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Freeburg Secondary, St. Winefride’s Secondary, St. John’s Secondary and Queenstown Secondary.