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Head panel at yesterday’s briefing included (L-R) Christina Ramroop, Local Content Manager of Stena Drilling, Exxon’s Community Relations Advisor Lasawhna Prescott and Petra Director Troy Mendonca.

Petra Organisation in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana wrapped up 2025 team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday at the National Library ahead of Saturday’s kickoff.
Kaieteur Sports – Anticipation is building for the highly-anticipated sixth Annual ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 Football Championship, set to kick off this Saturday, June 14, at the Ministry of Education Ground.
Ahead of the action, the Petra Organisation, in partnership with title sponsor ExxonMobil, hosted the official team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday at the National Library in Georgetown.
The event, a hallmark of the tournament’s opening proceedings, brought together representatives from the 52 participating teams (32 boys’ teams and 20 girls’ teams) alongside tournament stakeholders, school officials, and sponsors. The session offered schools the opportunity to engage with tournament coordinators on key matters such as competition rules, playing schedules, and team responsibilities, ensuring clarity ahead of the month-long championship.
During the briefing, teams were presented with practice balls as a gesture of support for their final preparations. More importantly, attendees heard encouraging words from key figures behind the tournament’s success.
Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca expressed gratitude to ExxonMobil for its unwavering support over the past six years. “Your contributions have played an integral role in bringing this tournament to what it is today,” Mendonca remarked. “From just a few teams, we now have 52 teams participating, representing eight administrative regions. This growth is a testament to your commitment to youth development through sport.”
ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor, Lasawhna Prescott, delivered a motivational feature address, highlighting the broader goals of the initiative. “We have seen the inclusion of more schools and players over the years, and are always impressed by the amazing display of football skills, team spirit and growth,” Prescott said. “We hope that the impact of this tournament translates to an even greater impact on your futures.”
Prescott also took the moment to urge students to remain resilient, disciplined, and committed to both sport and academics. “Persevere even when the odds are against you, make sacrifices, and support one another. Be present in school, not just physically, but in performance as well.”
She reiterated ExxonMobil’s investment in national unity and youth empowerment. “We want to support initiatives whose benefits are felt in your schools, communities, and homes.”
Meanwhile, Christina Ramroop, Local Content Manager at Stena Drilling, also shared a word of encouragement. “Play with passion, perseverance, and commitment,” she told the young athletes, setting the tone for what is expected to be an exciting and fiercely competitive tournament.
The ExxonMobil U14 Football Championship continues to be a standout event on the schools’ sporting calendar, offering not just glory but tangible rewards. Teams in both divisions will be vying for the $400,000 first-place prize, a championship trophy, and medals. Prizes will also be awarded to second, third, and fourth-place finishers.
With the stage now officially set, the countdown is on to Saturday’s grand kickoff, a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the unifying power of sport.

Several schools attended the team briefing and ball distribution exercise ahead of the 2025 ExxonMobil U14 Football championship.
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