THE fourth annual COURTS Guyana Inc.-sponsored Schools Pee Wee Under-11 football competition, which was officially launched at the sponsor’s main branch on Main Street yesterday, is set to commence September 28 at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.The event, organised by the Petra Organisation that is dedicated to grassroots level football, will feature 24 teams from the Georgetown area. Eight additional teams were added to the tournament this year which means the teams will be divided into six groups of four in the round-robin stage.

During the launching ceremony, COURTS’ managing director Clyde De Haas, in his brief comments stated that his company was very pleased to be launching the fourth edition of the tournament since they are firm supporters of grassroots level sports.
He said, like COURTS’ slogan, ‘Adding Value Everyday’, they were pleased to add value to the youths so that they can showcase their talents. The managing director reiterated his comment from the launching last year, saying that they did promise to make it an annual event and this is proved by the sponsorship package of $3.3 million for 2013.
Also present at the ceremony was Ministry of Education’s Allison Rawlins, Banks DIH’s Public Relations Officer Troy Peters and director of Petra, Troy Mendonca.
The teams participating are: Defending champions Marian Academy, Tucville, St Agnes, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Sidwell’s, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Ketley, St Gabriel’s, F.E. Pollard, Enterprise, Green Acres, St Angela’s, St Pius, Sophia, Success Academy, Redeemer, New Guyana, Stella Maris, St Winefride’s, Winfer Garden, J.E Burnham and East Ruimveldt.
Each of these teams will receive compulsory participation apparatus and also team bibs will be provided by the organisers.
Meanwhile, a two-day workshop for Pee Wee coaches will be hosted prior to the commencement of the competition.