In a significant boost to grassroots football development, the Pouderoyen Football Club (PFC) has launched an Under-13 tournament with the backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC). The event, which kicked off recently at the West Demerara Secondary School, marks a pivotal step in nurturing young talent in the region.

The tournament features six teams from the West Demerara area: Pouderoyen FC, Wales, Belle West FC, Jetty, Eagles FC, and Uitvlugt FC. This diverse lineup promises an exciting competition that will showcase the budding football talent in Guyana.

Opening Day Highlights

The inaugural day of the tournament saw impressive performances from the young athletes. Pouderoyen FC made a strong statement with a commanding victory over Jetty, while Belle West FC secured a comfortable win against Wales. These results set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling competition in the weeks to come.

NSC’s Commitment to Youth Development

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle was present at the launch, emphasizing the NSC’s dedication to fostering young talent. Ninvalle commended Pouderoyen FC for their initiative and stressed the importance of such tournaments for the long-term growth of football in Guyana.

“The NSC believes youth development is pivotal to sports in Guyana, and we are keen on supporting initiatives like the Pouderoyen Football Club U13 tournament,” Ninvalle stated. He also encouraged the young players to embrace the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and personal growth through football.

Tournament Schedule

The competition is set to continue with matches scheduled throughout February and March. Key fixtures include:

• February 22: Eagles vs Uitvlugt, Belle West vs Jetty, Pouderoyen vs Wales
• March 2: Jetty vs Uitvlugt, Eagles vs Wales, Pouderoyen vs Belle West
• March 9: Wales vs Jetty, Eagles vs Belle West, Pouderoyen vs Uitvlugt
• March 16: Uitvlugt vs Belle West, Eagles vs Pouderoyen
• March 23: Eagles vs Jetty, Uitvlugt vs Wales

Impact on Local Football

This tournament represents a significant step in the development of youth football in the West Demerara region. By providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, the event is expected to play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing future football stars.

As the tournament progresses, it will undoubtedly attract more attention from football enthusiasts and scouts alike. The competition not only offers young players valuable experience but also contributes to the overall growth of the sport in Guyana.

With the NSC’s support and the enthusiasm of the participating teams, the Pouderoyen FC Under-13 tournament is poised to become a cornerstone event in Guyana’s youth football calendar. As these young athletes take their first steps towards a promising future in the sport, the tournament stands as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in shaping the next generation of football talent.