Annai Secondary secure back-to-back titles against Marian Academy

Jul 08, 2026 Sports

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2026 Blue Water Shipping Girls U15 National

Kaieteur Sports – Region nine’s Annai Secondary further cemented its place among Guyana’s emerging school football powerhouses on Sunday, successfully defending its Blue Water Shipping Girls’ U15 National Championship title with a controlled 2-1 victory over Marian Academy at the National Training Centre (NTC).

The Region Nine champions became the first school to capture consecutive Girls’ U15 national titles, capping another impressive campaign with disciplined defending, clinical finishing and the composure expected of reigning champions.

Their latest triumph completed back-to-back championship runs after also lifting the national crown last year, underlining Annai’s growing dominance in secondary school girls’ football.

Annai entered this year’s Final Eight carrying the weight of defending champions after narrowly advancing from the Region Nine qualifiers on goal difference ahead of rivals St. Ignatius Secondary. Once again, they proved equal to every challenge, navigating the tournament before delivering another championship-winning performance on the biggest stage.

Marian Academy, champions of Georgetown North, also enjoyed another outstanding campaign to reach a second straight national final. Guided by an experienced core, Marian displayed quality, attacking flair and consistency throughout the seven-week championship, but despite another determined effort, the Georgetown side was once again denied the title by an inspired Annai outfit.

While Annai celebrated another championship, several players were honoured for their outstanding individual performances throughout the tournament. Marian Academy’s Kaleigh Todd was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player after serving as the creative heartbeat of her side’s title charge, while teammate Skylar DeNobrega claimed the Highest Goal Scorer award with an impressive 13 goals. Annai’s Kesia Edward was recognised as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper after producing a string of commanding performances between the posts.

Third place went to Waramuri Secondary, edging President’s College in a penalty shootout after the teams battled to a draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.

The New Central High School finished fifth after defeating first-time national finalists Mahdia Secondary, whose participation was supported by the Rights of the Child Commission, while Wauna Primary defeated Abram Zuil Secondary to claim seventh place.

During the presentation ceremony, Senior Vice President of Sales and Development at Blue Water Shipping, Richard DeNobrega, praised the quality of football showcased throughout the championship while encouraging the young players to continue pursuing the sport.

“While there will always be a winner and a loser, today we have 1,600 winners who are champions of football for Guyana. You are witnessing members of the Guyana National Team, who will be a part of future World Cups,” DeNobrega told the players.

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde highlighted the remarkable growth of the championship and its importance to the development of the women’s game.

“The long-term goal is to have all secondary schools from every corner of Guyana participate in this exciting competition. With the steady growth we are witnessing, I am confident that we will achieve this in the very near future.

“The objectives of this competition are to create access, increase participation, promote development and discover talent—and we have achieved these objectives.

“Congratulations to Annai Secondary for winning this year’s competition, and congratulations to every young player who competed with passion, discipline and pure joy. You created many memorable moments that served as a source of encouragement for the hardworking team that made this championship possible.”

Also speaking at the presentation were the President of the Guyana Women’s Football Association, Andre Johnson, who applauded the competing schools during her address.

“We have witnessed not just games, but a display of passion, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. Each match has brought its own excitement and challenges, and every player has shown immense growth and spirit.”

On the wider pitch, this year’s championship represented another milestone in the competition’s expansion. Over seven weeks, a record 80 schools participated—up from 68 in 2025—with approximately 1,600 girls taking part.

Tournament statistics revealed that 111 matches produced 205 goals, while regional qualifying matches were staged for the first time at Kabakaburi, Tapakuma, Aishalton, Katoka and Nappi, extending the competition’s reach into more hinterland communities.

Schools from Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten competed, reflecting the continued growth, competitiveness and nationwide expansion of girls’ football across Guyana.

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• Annai Secondary, Blue Water Shipping, Girls U15 National Championship, Marian Academy

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