Pepsi brand onboard with ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca (left), watches on as Executive Member Mark Alleyne collects a sponsorship cheque from DDL's Larry Wills

Pepsi is the latest sponsor of the ExxonMobil U-14 boys and girls football tournament. Through its parent company, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the brand signed onto the tournament with a simple presentation at its Diamond Head office.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, said the support for the tournament by the soft drink brand was significant, especially as the body looks to re-invigorate schools football.

He reminded that many of the young players in the National Team have come through the ranks of tournaments like this, adding that companies like DDL can feel proud to have made a difference in the lives of many youths.

DDL's Brand Manager, Larry Wills, expressed interest in the development of the country's youth through the sport and noted their support was without question due to the stellar performances by not just the players but the organising body.

The tournament is expected to commence on Saturday at the Ministry of Education's ground, Carifesta Avenue. The tournament will be played on a round-robin/knockout basis with a twist.

The 24 boys' teams will be divided into four groups of six, which will then be reduced to 16 teams, with those teams playing for positions 1-16.

A similar approach will occur for the girls' tournament, and the organisers have scheduled Saturdays as match days at the MOE's ground, Carifesta Avenue.