KFC, Petra Organisation Launched Expanded International School Tourney
The KFC International Secondary School Football tournament is gearing up for an exciting expansion, welcoming youth teams from Brazil and The Bahamas for its sixth annual Under-18 event in Guyana.
Scheduled to run from December 14 to 21, this year’s tournament will be the largest yet, featuring teams from six different countries.
The competition will adopt a round-robin knockout format and will be hosted at two venues in Georgetown: the Ministry of Education Ground and the Queen’s College Ground.
This edition is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first participation of Brazil’s State School Monteiro Lobato and the Anglican Central Education Authority from The Bahamas, alongside established teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Suriname.
Representing Guyana will be the defending champions, Chase’s Academic Foundation, as well as Annai Secondary. Jamaica’s Kingston College will also compete, while the final two spots will be filled based on the outcomes of regional competitions in Guyana and Suriname.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti DeSouza highlighted the importance for Guyanese teams to rise to the occasion given the heightened competition.
Organized by the Petra Organisation, the tournament has seen substantial investment, including over G$25 million allocated for new bleachers at the main venue.
Paul Subryan, CEO of KFC Guyana, conveyed his excitement about the tournament’s international reach, noting the valuable opportunities it offers to young athletes. Co-director Troy Mendonca emphasized the event’s significance in providing pathways to scholarships for exceptional players.
Chase’s Academic Foundation enters as the reigning champion after securing the fifth KFC title in a gripping final against St. Benedict’s College from Trinidad and Tobago, which culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Alongside the matches, a cultural showcase featuring all participating teams will be held the day after the opening games. The tournament has a rich history of past champions, including esteemed schools from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Guyana.
Caption: From left: Troy Peters (Petra Organisation), Deputy Chief Executive Officer Marti DeSouza, CEO of KFC Guyana Paul Subryan, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca and Franklin Wilson (Assistant Director of Sport) and the championship trophy at the launch.
