EDFA/ Mackeson Senior League launched

Sep 06, 2008 Sports

Ansa Mc Al Trading injects $800,000

By Franklin Wilson
Senior footballers on the East Coast of Demerara are all in high spirits and rearing to go with the sealing of sponsorship by their Association Executive from Ansa Mc al Trading for their senior league which will kick off next Thursday at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground under lights.
The competition will be known as the Mackeson Senior League and will see nine clubs from the Association battling for the top prize of $100,000 and a set of uniforms.

Ansa Mc Al Marketing Manager Troy Cadogan (right) presents the sponsorship cheque to President of the East Demerara Football Association Aubrey Hutson. EDFA Secretary Sheron Abrams (2nd right) and Ansa Mc Al’s Marketing Assistant Anjeta Hinds share the moment.

Last years competition was sponsored by Bakewell and was captured by BV Triumph United ahead of Bakewell Buxton Stars. Ann’s Grove took third with Plaisance settling for fourth.
The level of competition this time around is expected to be very competitive with teams expected to have to mix junior and senior players in their respective lineups.
Speaking at yesterdays launch, Ansa Mc Al’s Marketing Manager Troy Cadogan said now that his company has moved to the East Coast they want to take care of their neighbours and ensure that football is played at a professional level.
“With that in mind, as a company we decided to come forward in the interest of the development of players and their skills to partner with the East Demerara Football Association who also share the same ideals.”
Cadogan also mentioned that the Sweet 16 Knock-Out Football competition, which was highly successful a couple of months ago was the ideal forerunner to the league and is confident that the league will be successful in strengthening the game on the East Coast.
“We believe that the game will move from strength to strength in this area and East Coast will one again be very competitive against the other Associations at the club level also.”
EDFA President Aubrey Hutson complimented Ansa Mc Al and Mackeson for the vision in partnering with them to invest in the development of the game in the area.
“We are appreciative of the fact you have come forward to help us showcase East Demerara Football and from the Sweet 16 tournament you can see what we can do in terms of the game in these parts and making sure that the sport is played at a high level.”
Hutson was quick to point out that it is his hope and wish that the tournament will serve to motivate and keep East Coast players in the area since a number of them have been opting to play out of the Association.
“We find that at the junior level we have six and seven players in the national junior teams but when they start to play senior football we are losing them to clubs in Georgetown and other Associations. So I hope with the help of Ansa Mc Al and the contribution they are making it will not only keep the game playing at a high level but ensure that the players remain to develop their clubs and the association.”
The second placed club will earn a total of $105,000 ($75,000 cash & 5 balls) while the third placed club will pocket $50,000.
Individual prizes will be awarded to the most valuable player of the league, player scoring the most goals and the best goalkeeper.
Next Thursday’s opening and kick off will be done under lights at the Plaisance Community Centre ground.
Bakewell Buxton Stars will open the action against Black Stallion with the feature game bringing together Plaisance and Ann’s Grove.
Also attending yesterday’s launch was East Demerara Football Association Secretary Sheron Abrams and Ansa Mc Al’s Marketing Assistant, Anjeta Hinds.