Next generation in focus as National U-13 football leagues kick off

The Buxton Community Ground was awash with noise and colour on Saturday as Guyana’s future stars took center stage for the official launch of the Youth Ensemble Programme.

Hosted by the East Demerara Football Association, the opening weekend marked the beginning of a nationwide U13 league that will span the country’s regional associations over the coming months. It is an ambitious blueprint designed to fortify the bedrock of Guyanese football, and on day one, the communities turned out in droves.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde was among the crowd in Georgetown, watching the next generation take their first steps in a tournament that feels vital for the country’s footballing ecosystem.

“It’s a good day for football on the East Coast,” Forde said, praising the local organisers. “It’s always good to see some of the members stepping forward and embracing the initiatives being organised by the GFF.”

For East Demerara Football Association President Rickford Profitt, the stakes of this GFF-collaboration go far beyond just a single weekend of silverware. There is a firm belief that this tournament is the exact crucible needed to forge senior international talent.

“We believe this programme will play a very important role in the lives of these young boys,” Profitt insisted. “We are confident this programme will produce more players like Omari Glasgow. This has been one of the best things to happen to the East Demerara Football Association in a long time.”

The action on the pitch did not disappoint, with local rivalries instantly catching fire.

In the East Demerara fixtures, Plaisance locked horns with Golden Stars, while BV Triumph traded blows with Victoria Kings. Elsewhere, Buxton Stars battled Ann’s Grove United, Melanie squared off against Mahaica Determinators, and Haslington Stars tested their mettle against Mahaicony Western Lions.

 

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