Latest update December 21st, 2024 1:52 AM
STAG launches second WDFA Senior League
– competition returns after initial success
By Edison Jefford
As demonstrative of a clear policy to be developmental in its contributions toward local sports, Ansa McAl, under the STAG Beer brand, yesterday officially announced its continued support of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Senior League.
The STAG WDFA Senior League is expected to start tomorrow, weather permitting, and will run for 12 weeks with 12 teams competing for cash and other prizes, of which, the modalities are still being sorted out between the WDFA and Ansa McAl Limited.
However, what was disclosed is that there will be an increase, at least in the first place purse, for the second edition of the competition. “It is a privilege to be working with the WDFA. We are clearly seeing growth in this tournament,” STAG Brand Coordinator, John Maikoo told the media yesterday.
STAG Brand Coordinator, John Maikoo (second, left), GFF VP, Rawlston Adams (on his left) officially usher in the second edition of the WDFA Senior League with WDFA VP, Christine Schmidt (left) and Ansa McAl PRO, Darshanie Yussuf yesterday.
He said that nine teams participated in the tournament last year and that had grown to include 12 this year. “We have had to move from just hosting competitions at Den Amstel to Wales, which shows that the tournament is spreading on the west side,” Maikoo added.
The STAG Brand Coordinator said that Ansa McAl is not just about hosting events, but rather a development thrust, which was emphasised when the company donated Stag-branded uniforms to Seawall FC following the completion of the first WDFA League. He believes commitment is entrenched in the company’s psyche toward developing football.
Vice-President at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Rawlston Adams concurred, stating that to move the sport forward the federation needs the input of all stakeholders; he lauded the efforts from Ansa McAl and their commitment to development.
“On behalf of the GFF, we would like to express our gratitude to Ansa McAl. The GFF would be starting is development programmes and we will be engaging corporate entities. Ansa McAl has shown that they are committed to such programmes,” Adams said.
Asked if embracing all stakeholders is high on the GFF agenda, Adams said that he does not see the sport advancing without such an approach. “We have to have the support of all stakeholders, and one of them is sponsoring this tournament,” the GFF VP noted, adding that it is efforts such as these that ensures football continues to play in Guyana.
Vice-President of the WDFA, Christine Schmidt told the media that the association is “blessed” to have STAG continued the partnership following their first League, which was widely received as a successful tournament last year. “We’re glad to have them (STAG) stay with us. I hope they continue to partner with us,” Schmidt said briefly.
Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yussuf posited that the League started because of a noticeable lag in football competitions in West Demerara for teams there; she said based on the excellent response from teams there, the company support will continue.
The 12 teams slated to compete in the Stag WDFA League include: Uitvlugt Warriors FC, Den Amstel Porknockers FC, Stewartville FC, Pouderoyen Young Achievers FC, Seawall FC, Eagles FC, Wales United FC, Bagotville FC, Beavers FC, Slingerz FC, Jetty FC and Dekendren FC.
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