Latest update April 4th, 2025 6:13 AM
A brief history of the ‘Guinness Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Tournament
On the 4th December, 2008, Tiger Bay became the first team to be crowned champions of the inaugural “Guinness Greatest of De Street Football Tournament” weeks after the tournament was launched with an exhibition game in the champions’ community by the honorable Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and Banks DIH Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Carlton Joao.
Both Joao and Dr. Anthony to their credit, over the years remained closely associated with the tournament, each providing key and critical support where and when necessary.
(Flashback)- A massive crowd is anticipated for this weekend’s Caribbean Challenge ‘Guinness Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Tournament at the National Park.
Two years on, Broad Street became champions in 2010, followed by Back Circle in 2011.
In 2009, the Mining Town of Linden caught the Guinness Street Football fever and the concept has become a phenomenon in the community. This model of street football was quickly embraced and grew in popularity and acceptance in Guyana.
When Broad Street faced second-time finalist Albouystown in yet another electrifying finals in 2010, Brand Manager for Guinness Caribbean Gareth Geddes was invited to witness that finals at the National Park. He was immediately impressed and asked for all the information from Guyana and exported the concept to his other subsidiaries in the Caribbean, there and then the Guinness Street Football Ship left the shores and border of Guyana and docked in excess of 12 Caribbean Territories’ by 2011.
The Ship has come full circle and is set to take on another maiden voyage, when Team Guyana (Back Circle-Guyana Stallions) and winner of last year’s Guinness Greatest of de Streets 2011 tournament, takes on the likes of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and St Lucia in the first every Guinness International Street Challenge Futsal Tournament beginning tomorrow and end on Saturday, at the National Park Tarmac Arena.
The visiting teams are all emerging champions in their own right from locally organized Guinness Street Football tournaments in their respected territories, so competition will be among the best the Caribbean has on offer.
A release from the Coordinators of the tournament stated how grateful they are for the discipline displayed by players, teams, and supporters over the years and expressed on behalf of Banks DIH Company sincere thanks.
Meanwhile, Guinness Brand Manger, Mr. Lee Baptist has left no stone unturned and has skillfully mixed entertainment with top class futsal -Road Ball- action among the very best in the Caribbean for the weekend treat.
This will see Barclays Premier League, Stoke City striker; Guinness Street Football Ambassador and Trinidad and Tobago Captain Kenwyne Jones grace the occasion with his presence, also Reggae Super Star Bugle is expected to perform on the night of the finals.
The winner of this inaugural Tournament will receive US$4000 and have a complete Futsal Hard Court constructed in their community.
Spectators are expected to flock the National Park in their numbers to witness history in this format of the game and relative to the number of participating teams from abroad. It all promises to be mouth watering entertainment and excitement that has been made possible through Guinness. So it’s any one’s guess, we all must be reaching for greatness’ this weekend with Guinness.
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