Balls presented to Participants; Fixtures expected on Friday
With opening day for the 2023 edition of the Digicel Schools Football tournament drawing closer, participating schools were on Wednesday handed gear and equipment.
Some of the participating schools were briefed on the tournament format at a special meeting at the National Library in Georgetown, where balls were also handed out.
Speaking prior to the meeting, Petra co-director, Troy Mendonca, added that they are expecting the co-operation of all the teams and stakeholders to make the tournament a success.
Petra are the organisers of the tournament.

“This is the first year for us hosting this prestigious tournament and we want to ensure that it is a good tournament for all, participants, sponsors and everyone involved.
Mendonca also indicated that fixtures would be provided on Friday, prior to the opening day on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the media, Chase Academy head teacher, Henry Chase, told the media that the defending champions are ready to take their place at the pinnacle of schools football.

“Chase Academy will be back to take its rightful place at the head of schools’ football. We were away for a few [tournaments] but now we are back and we have our full complement of players.”
One hundred and twenty-eight teams are expected to gear up between June 26th and August 13th this year as the tournament returns for an eighth edition.
Region One [9], Two [9], Region Three [12], Region Four (divided into three sections: East Coast Demerara [12], Georgetown [33], and East Bank Demerara [8]), Region Five [8], Region Six [20], Region Seven [3], Region Eight [2], Region Nine [4], and Region Ten [8] make up the number.

Following the regional rounds, a round of 32 teams will make up a national championship, of which 13 schools will come from Georgetown. Regions Three and Six will each have two teams as will the East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Region Seven and Region 10 respectively.
The National Champions will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy with second, third, and fourth place finishers getting $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 respectively.
All moneys will go towards a school project with prizes also expected for the highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, and most valuable player.