WHAT started as a mere thought has developed into a reality and bright one as well, as the newly formed Slingerz Football Club (FC)  was officially launched yesterday  as the Stag Beer West Side Knock-out football tournament.

The tournament, which is being held in celebration of Guyana’s Republic Day (Mashramani) festivities, kicks off on February 17 at the Den Amstel ground and will see Slingerz FC, Den Amstel, Young Achievers, Seawall United, Eagles United, Beavers and Uitvlugt – all hailing from the West Demerara District – vie for the top prize of $500 000, second place $300 000, third $150 000 and fourth place $50 000.
Eagles United and Uitvlugt will get things going after the opening ceremony at 18:00hrs while the feature game will bring together Slingerz FC and Beavers.
The tournament will continue on February 22 at the Tuschen ground with another double-header and then head back to the Den Amstel ground for more matches on March 1 and March 3 for the grand final.
Yesterday, the event’s sponsors Ansa McAl, Digicel Guyana and Hopkinson Mining were all happy and enthused about a new team not only being formed, but cognisant of the fact that they have a part to play in the development of the sport in their community in Region 3.
“Ansa McAl and Stag Beer are happy to play their part in bringing another solid and quality senior tournament to the West Side,” said the company’s stag Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo, adding that they are willing and ready to aid in making sure that the event is held annually.
Maikoo further mentioned that Stag Beer is also happy “to partner with Slingerz once again, since we’ve been together from the inception. But it’s a part of our DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) to give back to the people who have been supporting us. Stag will always be there.”
Gavin Hope, Digicel’s Corporate and Event Sponsorship officer, highlighted the importance the tournament will play on the West Side, while making reference to their inter-school champions.
“We know how people are passionate on the West Side about their football and this tournament, thanks to Slingerz will provide youngsters with the platform to play in front of probably thousands of people.
“We at Digicel through our school tournament have been facilitating such process in development and we’re happy to be part of this event,” Hope said.
Meanwhile, it was mentioned that rumours were spreading that the newly formed club was rogue in its operation and isn’t considered legitimate, but those tales were put to rest by president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Franklin Wilson.
Wilson said that the Club has fully aligned themselves with the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) and the GFF.
“Matter of fact, the GFF along with the WDFA welcomed the club with open arms, since they have met all the criteria in keeping with the constitution,” Wilson said, adding “the contribution of corporate Guyana is always important to the development of football and I applaud the club and the sponsors.”
The GFF president pointed out that he’s happy that the Tuschen ground can now be added to the list of playing facilities in West Demerara and also hopes this tournament is the start of many to come in the region.
Coach of the Slingerz FC, Gordon Brathwaite, explained that his club’s main intention is to first be the best team out of the WDFA and ultimately football in Guyana.
Jevon Rodriquez, president of the WDFA said that tournament serves as a prelude to a busy schedule planned by his association.
He said that the WDFA is more than happy to see a new team join the fold, showing expansion not only for football in his jurisdiction, but also for sport in general.
Representatives from each team were on hand, with all already claiming the tournament’s top prizes.