The 2025 edition of the ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys and Girls Football Competition officially kicks off today at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, marking the start of a month-long celebration of youth football talent from across Guyana.
After weather-related delays, organisers have confirmed that the venue is in prime condition and ready to host a packed schedule of 26 matches on opening day. The tournament will begin with a ceremonial march-past at 10:00 a.m., followed by a full slate of fixtures featuring 24 teams in the group stage. The Chase Academic Foundation girls will open their campaign against East Ruimveldt, while the boys’ bracket will see South Ruimveldt face Cotton Field in the first match. The day’s action will conclude with Good Hope Secondary taking on Vreed-en-Hoop in the final girls’ match and St John’s Secondary meeting North Ruimveldt in the last boys’ encounter.
This year’s tournament, now in its sixth edition, has drawn significant interest, with 56 boys’ schools and 39 girls’ schools registering for preliminary rounds. The main draw features 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams, all vying for top honours and substantial prizes for their schools. The competition will follow a group stage format before progressing to the knockout rounds, culminating in the finals on July 12.
Defending champions Chase Academic Foundation (Boys) and President’s College (Girls) are set to defend their titles amid fierce competition. The tournament also places a strong emphasis on player welfare, with insurance coverage for all participants and a comprehensive child safeguarding programme for coaches and teachers.
Corporate sponsors, including ExxonMobil and Banks DIH, have thrown their support behind the event, underscoring its importance in nurturing young talent and promoting sportsmanship. Attractive prizes await the top four teams in both boys’ and girls’ categories, with the winners receiving G$400,000 for school projects, and individual awards for outstanding players.
With the tournament now underway, anticipation is high for another exciting season of youth football, camaraderie, and the emergence of the next generation of Guyanese football stars.
