Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy Linden leg kicks off

Apr 02, 2014 Sports

Linden was a hive of activity on Saturday 29th March as the SPFSA train rolled into the mining town. The occasion was the opening of the Linden leg of the Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy organized by the Guyana Sports Development Foundation at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground.

MVP of the female game Niomi Alsopp receives a prize from Roland Tappin.

Spectators witnessed a colourful march past of participating teams followed by remarks from Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon.
He was high in praise to the sponsors, Bank of Nova Scotia and DDL (Pepsi) being associated with this programme, which is testimony to the companies’ faith in youth development. The Regional Chairman said that Region 10 is proud to be a part of this venture and was pleased when the referees and coaches were trained before the commencement of the tournament and it is evident in the improved performance that was displayed by the teams in last year’s tournament.
Victor Wright, Secretary of the GSDF reminded all that the Academy is about learning, hence the use of the name SPSFA. He said that DDL and Scotiabank believe in excellence so they have to display same, both on and off the field. This Academy represents the heart of what should be happening in school football and he urged all teams to play fairly.
Lindley Langhorne, representing the Ministry of Education, congratulated the GSDF for pulling off this annual school programme. He assured those present that the Ministry of Education will continue to work hand in hand with the GSDF and also establish a data base. He was also happy to see female and male teams being involved and praised the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy for being the only School Football Tournament that caters for women and that is a plus. Langhorne also took the opportunity to thank DDL and Scotiabank for their resilience and support in making the Academy a success.
Brenda Harmon, member of the Organising Committee gave the vote of thanks and thanked Scotiabank, DDL, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport, GSDF, the Referee and Coaches Association, the Schools, the Heads of School, the teachers, parents, children, participants, supporters, referees, coaches, the press and the owners of the venue for all of their contribution in making this venture a success.
In the opening match Mackenzie High School males defeated Harmony Secondary 2 nil as Leon Grenville in the 24th and Joao Dias 43 sealed Harmony’s faith.
In the second match, a female encounter, MHS completed the double by beating Harmony 2 nil as female player of the match, Niomi Alsopp, hit a double in the 49th and 51st minutes to maintain MHS’s dominance.
The competition continues Friday with two more matches.