THE 2025 edition of the Republic Bank Schools Football League was on Thursday launched at the Bank’s headquarters at New Market Street.

The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday October 19th and features eight of the country’s top footballing teams battling it out until November 30th.

The winning team along with the second-placed side will earn the right to face teams from Suriname, Brazil, Jamaica and Trinidad in the KFC Goodwill International football series set for December.

The competition will also serve to ready the top teams with ample matches for the December showpiece to be played also at the Ministry of Education ground.

Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca says that development of talent is dependent on sustained leagues that could properly harness the skills of the youngsters.

“Competition is a key element of sports and more so football; it challenges us, inspires us and bring out the best in each player and more importantly a football league like this is developmental in nature, where each team has the ability to play each other in a way that foster growth, team work and resilience, we are especially delighted to have Republic Bank again sponsoring this tournament.”

Head of the Unit of Allied Arts at the Ministry of Education Nicholas Fraser told the gathering that the bank has been a strong support of the arts and they commend their continued support for sports.

“If we hold a competition for holding a competition’s sake it takes away from all the development that could happen but as you would have noted the way in which this was organised to ensure we have football kept active. It is important to have those children continue practicing to develop their talent so having a competition with that in mind makes it a very good thing that is important for talent development.”

Meanwhile Internal Audit Manager at Republic Bank Oral Rose says the bank is elated to support the league for another year.

“Last year, we witnessed incredible talent, fierce competition and a lot of heart out on the field; this year I’m sure promises to be just as exciting if not better. As sports enthusiast myself, I find it truly inspiring to see how this tournament has made an impact reaching beyond Georgetown and into communities across Guyana. Republic Bank’s partnership with the Petra Organisation is more than just about football but giving young people a platform to dream big, work hard and learn values that last long after the final whistle is blown.”

This year will see Republic Bank outfitting each team.

The teams were drawn from the Milo Schools knock-out competition.

The top 7 teams namely Abram Zuil, Bushlot Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, President’s College, Dolphin Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary and Charlestown Secondary along with defending League Champion Chase’s Academic Foundation.

The teams will be vying for $300,000, $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies and medals for places 1st-4th with all monies going to a programme to be undertaken by the school.

Individual awards will go towards the highest goal scorer, best goal keeper and most discipline team.