Petra Org. launches largest-ever KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament

Oct 03, 2025 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – The Petra Organisation has officially launched the sixth edition of the KFC International Goodwill School Under-18 Football Tournament, setting the stage for what is being hailed as the largest and most competitive installment to date. With the exciting addition of Brazil and The Bahamas, this premier secondary school football competition continues its evolution into a top-tier regional showpiece for emerging talent.

Confirmed at Wednesday’s launch, the tournament is scheduled to take place from December 14 to 21, featuring eight elite teams from six nations, with matches set to be played across two venues such as the Ministry of Education Sports Complex ground and the Queen’s College Ground.

Petra Org. launches largest-ever KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament

KFC Guyana backs Petra’s Goodwill International U18 School’s Football for sixth consecutive year. Present at the 2025 launch were; (L-R) Petra rep. Troy Peters, Deputy CEO of Education Marti DeSouza, KFC CEO Paul Subryan, Troy Mendonca Co-Director of Petra Organisation and Assistant Director of Sports Franklin Wilson

Having already earned the admiration of football communities across the Caribbean, the tournament’s expansion was a response to growing interest and a clear demand for more international representation. The Petra Organisation has answered this call by broadening the tournament’s reach to two more international sides.

During the official launch, co-director Troy Mendonca highlighted the tournament’s evolving importance, noting that it continues to serve as a “pathway to scholarship” for standout players, an invaluable opportunity for youth athletes in the region.

This year’s tournament will feature the debut of two new international contenders, including; State School Monteiro Lobato (Brazil) and Anglican Central Education Authority of The Bahamas. They will join returning powerhouses and national champions such as; Guyana’s Chase’s Academic Foundation (Defending Champions), Annai Secondary (Guyana), St. Benedict’s College (Trinidad and Tobago) and Kingston College (Jamaica).

The final two spots will be filled by the winner of the Republic Bank U18 League (Guyana) and the Suriname Schools Football champion (TBD).

This diverse pool of teams will compete in a round-robin knockout format, promising a thrilling series of high-intensity matchups.

For the sixth consecutive year, KFC Guyana has reaffirmed its dedication to youth and community development through its sponsorship of the event. During his feature address, KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan emphasized that their support goes far beyond the pitch.

“At KFC, we understand the importance of supporting Generation Next,” Subryan said. “This tournament is bigger than football. It is about discipline. It is about teamwork. It is about building communities and fostering family relationships.”

KFC has also boosted its investment this year with the contribution of over $25 million for new bleachers at the tournament venues, a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the fan experience and expanding community participation.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti DeSouza acknowledged the impact of the tournament’s expansion on local teams, saying: “Guyanese teams will have to bring their A-Game given the quality of the incoming international teams.”

And with good reason. The competition has historically been fierce, with Chase’s Academic Foundation clinching their first KFC title last year in a dramatic final against St. Benedict’s College. Meanwhile, Guyana’s only other tournament winners include; D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary, Waramadong – 2022 and Annai Secondary – 2019. Other regional champions also include; Shiva Boys’ Hindu College (Trinidad and Tobago) – 2018 and Clarendon College (Jamaica) – 2023

Beyond the medals and trophies, the KFC International Goodwill School Under-18 Football Tournament stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young players in the Caribbean and now South America. Kick-off is December 14. Let the games begin.

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International Schools Football Tournament, KFC, Petra Organisation, School football, State School Monteiro Lobato

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