…Eight schools receive final briefing and equipment ahead of Sunday’s kickoff
By Kester Williams
(Kaieteur News) – With the countdown to kickoff gathering momentum, the Petra Organisation intensified preparations for the seventh annual Republic Bank Secondary Schools U18 Football League with the customary team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground.
The exercise brought together representatives of the eight participating schools and key stakeholders as organisers fine-tuned arrangements for the highly anticipated competition.
Launched last Thursday, the tournament is widely regarded as a premier platform for secondary school football, with defending champions Chase Academic Foundation set to face a strong field of challengers in the battle for supremacy.
The eight schools participating in this year’s Republic Bank Football League receive playing uniforms and practice equipment ahead of Sunday’s kickoff at the MoE ground.
Joining Chase in the title hunt are Santa Rosa Secondary, Three Mile Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary and St Joseph High School.
Beyond the pursuit of championship honours, the stakes hold high significance especially with the tournament’s international implications, where the top two finishers will earn places in Petra’s Goodwill international series in December.
Among those present at the preparatory exercise were Republic Bank Marketing Analyst Grace Hitnarine, Demerara Mutual Life Sales and Marketing Coordinator Oceala van Doimen, and Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca, who engaged participants as the final arrangements were put in place.
FLASHBACK! Defending champions, Chase Academic Foundation, after last year’s title success.
Addressing the students during the ball distribution, Mendonca urged them to respect the rules of the game and approach the competition with discipline, responsibility and sportsmanship.
He also underscored the importance of the tournament as a developmental pathway for young footballers, many of whom will eventually seek opportunities at club and senior levels.
With league football serving as a crucial stepping stone in the development of the sport, the competition offers players an opportunity to demonstrate their ability, gain valuable match experience and position themselves for advancement beyond the school system.
The organisers also highlighted the importance of ensuring that players can compete with confidence, with Demerara Mutual Life once again coming on board to provide insurance coverage for every student participating in this year’s tournament.
The continued support is intended to provide protection for the young footballers throughout the competition, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding participants as they pursue their sporting ambitions.
“When you know you’re covered, you give it your all,” was the message accompanying the emphasis on insurance protection.
Meanwhile, Hitnarine used the engagement to broaden the students’ focus beyond the football field, discussing financial literacy, the importance of saving and other fundamental financial principles.
Her interaction highlighted the value of equipping young athletes with knowledge and habits that can serve them well both during their sporting careers and in their future lives, reinforcing the tournament’s role in promoting development beyond competition.
With the briefing completed and balls distributed, attention now shifts to the field, where the eight schools will begin their quest for the coveted RBL title.
The tournament runs from October 18 to November 29 and is expected to showcase some of the country’s finest emerging schoolboy football talent.
Source: Kaieteur News
