Scotiabank, Pepsi Schools Football Academy kicks off

Mar 11, 2012 Sports

Stakeholders underline its importance to development

Collectively of the view that the Scotiabank, Pepsi sponsored Schools Football Academy is vital to development of the sport by setting a firm foundation, this year’s edition of the Academy got underway at the Georgetown Football Club Ground, North Road, yesterday.
Representatives of the flagship sponsors, Guyana Football Federation, Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Education were all in attendance and took the official march past of the twelve (12) schools that are participating this year.
In feature remarks, GFF President (ag) Franklin Wilson complimented the sponsors and the Organisers, Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF) as well as fellow stakeholders Ministry of Sport and Education for the foresight and vision in supporting the Academy.

Members of the various schools participating in the Scotiabank, Pepsi Schools Football Academy listen attentively to officials during the official opening yesterday at the GFC.

He noted that with such a programme in place football in Guyana will continue to go places reminding that the ‘Golden Jaguars’ have already created history by reaching the third round of CONCACAF qualifying.
“This academy has already shown us what can be the results of forward planning and a vision. Some seven of the female players from last year’s edition went on to make the nation’s U-17 team with another of the same players making it to the U-20 level.
Both sponsors and indeed all stakeholders and players needs to be complimented for working together to make this programme a continued success that will set Guyana’s football on a higher plain.”
Marketing Manager of Scotiabank Jennifer Cipriani noted that they are sponsoring the Academy under their ‘Bright Future’ programme which is geared towards helping people discover possibilities.
Ms. Cipriani encouraged the players (male & female) to seize the opportunity given to them and to ensure they make the best of it.
Pepsi Representative, Alexis Langhorne, in her remarks, declared that Demerara Distillers Limited, bottlers and distributors of Pepsi, believes in the development of youth and affording them the opportunities of maximizing their potential through sports.
She encouraged them to play well and to always exhibit a high level of sportsmanship in both the boys and girls segments of the competitions.
Representing the Ministry of Education was Lindley Langhorne while Gordon Braithwaite spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Sport. Ms. Andrea Fredericks delivered the vote of thanks.