Petra/Republic Bank U18 Football League returns

…tournament kickoff set for October 18

(Kaieteur News) – The Petra Organisation and Republic Bank Limited have renewed their partnership for the seventh annual Republic Bank Secondary Schools Football League, with eight of Guyana’s leading secondary schools set to battle for supremacy over a month-long competition.

The tournament, which was officially launched yesterday, is scheduled to kick off on October 18 and conclude on November 29, with all matches to be played at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Returning to defend their title will be Chase Academic Foundation, who have established themselves as one of the leading forces in the competition and will be aiming to capture their third consecutive championship.

Petra Officials alongside Republic Bank Managing Director Toussant Boyce and other officials share photo-op with represented schools at this year’s launch

Joining the defending champions in this year’s field are Santa Rosa Secondary, Three-Mile Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, St Joseph High and West Ruimveldt Secondary.

The Republic Bank-sponsored league has continued to grow into an important fixture on the local school football calendar, providing young players with regular competitive exposure while challenging teams to develop their tactical approach and consistency throughout the competition.

More importantly, the tournament provides a pathway to the regional stage, with the top two finishers earning the opportunity to represent Guyana at the annual Goodwill International Tournament in December, which brings together school teams from across the region, including Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname and Barbados.

Since its inception, several schools have benefited from the opportunity to compete internationally, with Chase Academic Foundation having twice emerged as champions and now returning in search of another championship.

Republic Bank’s Managing Director, Toussant Boyce welcomes the 7th Annual Republic Bank U18 Football League

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, in his opening remarks, highlighted the tournament’s contribution to the development of young footballers, noting that many of the players competing at the secondary-school level have progressed through Petra’s U11 programmes and eventually into the U18 competition.

Mendonca said Petra was proud of its contribution to football development while expressing appreciation to Republic Bank for its continued commitment to one of the organisation’s three U18 tournaments.

He noted that the league creates an important pathway for young players to develop their talents and ultimately showcase their abilities on the local stage and ultimately the regional stage.

For the Petra Organisation, competition remains central to football development, particularly at the youth level, where regular leagues provide players and teams with the opportunity to gain experience, improve their decision-making and test themselves against quality oppositions.

The tournament also carries attractive incentives for the participating schools, with the top four finishers set to receive cash awards towards selected school projects.

The champions will receive $400,000, along with a trophy and medals, while the runners-up will collect $250,000, a trophy and medals.

Third place carries a $125,000 prize, trophy and medals, while the fourth-placed school will receive $75,000. Individual excellence will also be recognised, with awards to be presented to the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goalscorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Allied Arts Unit Administrator Nicholas Fraser reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the competition and its role in promoting youth development through sport.

Republic Bank, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to youth development through its social investment initiative, “Powered to Make a Difference”, which seeks to create opportunities for young people and communities.

The bank noted that the football league aligns with its broader vision of encouraging discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and sportsmanship among young people.

With the eight participating schools now expected to intensify their preparations ahead of the opening match on October 18, organisers and stakeholders are anticipating another highly competitive season, with both the championship and the coveted international berths up for grabs.

Source: Kaieteur News